NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
“IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE”
The recently concluded U.G.C. sponsored National Seminar on ‘Impact of
Climate Change’ organized by the Department of Physics, St. Xavier’s
College, Mapusa, Goa was held on 25th and 26th February 2010
The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session was Dr. S.R. Shetye, Director
of National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula. He spoke on the nine
indicators that affect our climate and the need to maintain and protect
bio-diversity.
The Principal of the College, Dr. (Fr) Walter de Sa, welcomed the
participants and stressed that the climate is one factor that affects
everybody and our need to do away with our selfish attitude and take
into our hands to do something positive about our environment.
Dr. Luis Alvarinho, from NCAOR, spoke on the topic ‘Polar Climate
Change’. He elaborately stressed on the declining ice coverage on the
Artic and Antarctica, the melting glaciers and the increase in sea levels.
Dr Manish Tiwari, from NCAOR dwelt on the topic ‘Southwest Monsoon
Variability during Periods of Past Climatic Changes’. He covered the
aspect of monsoons over the Indian subcontinent due to global warming as
well of past climatic changes over asia.
Dr Runa Antony from NCAOR elaborated on the topic ‘ Biogenic bromine in
coastal Antarctic snow and its link to cloud seeding’. She dealt with
the aspects of cloud seeding and how bromine generated due to biogenic
materials helps in cloud seeding and ultimately precipitation. She also
explained that, sulphur is one of the major atmospheric contributors
forcing the climate system.
Mr. Rajendra Kerker, an eminent Goan environmentalist and teacher,
spoke on the topic ‘Goa and Impact of Climate Change’. He dealt with
most of the problems regarding climate change and associated problems
that might possibly harm the goan region.
Dr Ramesh Kumar, from NIO, discussed on the topic ‘ Monsoons : Role of
Climate Change’ and how global warming affects the onset and nature of
monsoons.
Dr M.V. Ramana, from NIO, spoke on the topic ‘Gas hydrate Exploration in
Indian offshore areas’. His topic covered aspects of mining and
utilization of gas hydrates as alternative to the fast depleting
reserves petroleum oils which are environmentally polluting.
Dr T. Suresh , from NIO spoke on the topic ‘ Aerosols over Goa’ . He
highlighted the f causes of air pollution over Goa and its measurement.
Prof. Bhaskar Nayak, Director D.H.E. was the Chief Guest for the
valedictory session and gave away the certificates to the participants.
Mr Nelson Lobo, associate professor at the Department of Physics
proposed the vote of thanks.
The two day seminar was well received by all the participants which
included teachers and students from all colleges in Goa and also
delegates from outside Goa.
