Lyceum, the post-graduate Students’ Association of M.A (international studies) under the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), organised a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Action on Climate Change: Postponement or Anticipation’ on 13th November 2021. The panel discussion was held in hybrid mode. The event started with a welcome note by Judith Blessy of 3MAIS, followed by an introduction to the event’s judges by Sneha M of 3MAIS. The event was judged by Ms Rashmi BR and Ms Akriti Sharma, both doctoral scholars at the School of Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. The event proceeded to the panel discussion, which Deeksha Pandey of 3MAIS eloquently moderated. Two panellists spoke on the anticipation of action on Climate Change, while two other panellists discussed the postponement of action on climate change.
The first speaker was Priya Shakthi of 1MAIS, who spoke
extensively about the challenges faced by the global society on achieving
climate objectives. She highlighted the difficulties faced by signatories of
the Paris Climate Accords, which resulted in the goals not being effectively
realised within the time frame. Priya put forth some thought-provoking points
of the realities faced by the global society in addressing climate change.
Next, V Mahesh Adithya spoke on the postponement aspect and enlightened the
audience with his points on the increased use of private jets by
representatives of smaller European countries to attend Climate Change summits,
highlighting the irony that this conveyed. He strongly argued on the poor
example set by western nations in displaying climate consciousness. This was
followed by some interesting questions from both the moderator and the audience
on various aspects of climate change ranging from China and India’s accusation
of climate terrorism on western nations to the role of private sector
investments in climate finance. The panellists provided extensive answers by
emphasising the need for increased funding in renewable energy and minimising
the effects of climate change.
The third panellist was Vineeth Daniel Vinoy of 3MAIS, who
spoke on the anticipation aspect. Vineeth brought to attention the individual
action on climate change and its effectiveness in improving climate change
policies and decisions. More importantly, he highlighted that climate change
resolutions at the domestic and international levels are non-binding in most
cases. He also discussed the pivotal role of the younger generation and civil
societies in battling climate change. The final speaker, Raja Narayan of 3MAIS,
addressed the feasibility of switching to alternative energy under the
postponement of climate change action. Raja put forth the historical
perspective in understanding the contribution of western nations to climate
change. This was followed by another question round, which brought up pertinent
issues on changing the food habits of people and the effect of climate change
on Scandinavian countries. Both panellists answered the questions with reason
and knowledge in the matters.
Overall, all panellists elaborately discussed all the issues
on climate change and brought forward the realities faced by global citizens
today. The key takeaway from this enriching panel discussion is that it is high
time that states start looking beyond their national interest and address the
global effects of climate change on citizens because everyone is bound to be
affected someday. Thus, immediate action is required to address the challenges
posed by climate change.
The panel discussion came to a close with concluding remarks
by Deeksha, followed by some constructive comments by the judges. Finally, the
winners were announced by one of the Judges, Ms Akriti Sharma. The first place
was awarded to V Mahesh Adithya of 1MAIS, while Vineeth Daniel Vinoy of 3MAIS
was awarded second place. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by
Vanshika Sharma of 3MAIS.
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