As part of public outreach program, funded by Institute of Eminence (IoE), the Centre for Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS), School of Physics, University of Hyderabad (UoH), was conducted a public lecture by Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan on 26th February 2024 at Dr. Zakir Hussain Lecture Hall Complex, University of Hyderabad.
The lecture focused on the theme of climate change and its profound impact on the Indian monsoon. The event aimed to shed light on the critical issue of climate change and its specific implications for the Indian subcontinent, particularly concerning the monsoon season, which plays a vital role in the agricultural and ecological systems of the region.
The event commenced with a warm welcome extended to all attendees by Prof. M Jayananda, Head, CEAOS, emphasizing the importance of the gathering and the urgency of the topic at hand. Following the welcome address, Prof. K C James Raju, Dean of the School of Physics highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of climate science and underscored the pivotal role of physics in understanding the fundamental processes driving climate change. The remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration across various academic disciplines to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change effectively. After the Dean’s remarks, the distinguished speaker for the event, Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan was introduced by the Head, CEOAS. The introduction highlighted the speaker’s expertise and accomplishments in the field of climate science and their significant contributions to understanding the complexities of the Indian monsoon system. Dr. Rajeevan formerly served in the Ministry of Earth Sciences and retired as the Secretary of MoES. He is currently serving as a Distinguished Scientist at NCESS, Trivandrum and is the Vice Chancellor of Atria University, Bengaluru.
In recognition of Dr. Rajeevan’s invaluable contributions to the field, Prof. B J Rao, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad presented Dr. Rajeevan with a token of appreciation on behalf of the university and the organizing committee. Later, the Presidential Address was delivered by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. B J Rao.
The public lecture covered wide topics of basics of monsoon, climate change and the impacts of climate change on the Indian summer monsoon. Dr. Rajeevan elucidated the intricate relationship between climate change and the Indian monsoon, explaining the various mechanisms driving the change, the observed impacts, and the potential future scenarios. He also talked about India’s climate action plan and the target to achieve net zero by 2070. The lecture sparked engaging discussions and raised awareness among the audience regarding the urgency of addressing climate change at both local and global levels. The event concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude delivered by Dr. Aliba Ao. The event also saw active participation widely from students and faculty from different disciplines, demonstrating the widespread interest and concern regarding the topic.
The public lecture on climate change and its impact on the Indian monsoon served as a platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and reflection on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Such initiatives play a crucial role in mobilizing collective efforts towards building a more sustainable and resilient future.