Carbon neutral campuses-Estimation of carbon footprint of a research institute
Climate change has now become an urgent global threat to human civilization. The 1.5 deg C report by IPCC (https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/) highlighted the urgency of mitigating future greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting to the impacts of past and present climate change. It also warns that unless decisive actions in this direction are not initiated by 2030, the planet may enter a regime of ‘runaway climate change’, which will have devastating impacts.National governments have a major role to play in dealing with the problem through policies and legislation. Industries and businesses also need to step up through reworking the supply chains, redesigning the manufacturing processes and innovating to develop new service delivery mechanisms. However, governments and businesses cannot take bold steps without the support and participation of the general public. Educational and Institutional campuses have a key role to play in mobilizing members of the public to understand the multiple dimensions of the climate crisis and to initiate change at personal and community level. Such initiatives will also end up equipping young adults with skills required to survive and possibly thrive in an increasingly climate challenged world.
