A clarion call for climate change

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To transform the district into a sustainable and healthy living space, a group of organizations and associations working in various streams has come together to launch a project called ‘Change Can Change Climate Change’. The initiative which will have the patronage of the district administration aims at eliciting people’s participation in promoting as well as embracing environment-friendly approach in day-to-day living.

 The project was officially launched by Minister for Tourism and Cooperation Kadakampally Surendran at New Auditorium of Government College for Women at Vazhuthakkad, here on Tuesday.
Briefing about the project, District Collector K Vasuki said as the human race has started to bear the impact of climate change, it is high time that the mortals should open their eyes towards the stark reality.
“Climate change is a reality. It has started to affect us. Cyclone Ockhi which has battered our coasts last November, the outbreak of dengue, H1N1, cancer and other ailments are triggered by climate change. There is no point in behaving like an ostrich, digging our head into the sand, so as not to see the approaching danger,” said Vasuki.

While saying that the project should become a revolution that  helps create a brand of green citizens who will follow the environment-friendly approach in their lifestyle, the Collector further added that the wholehearted support being extended by various associations and organizations has indeed provided a ray of hope.At the same time, CN Manoj of Pelican Foundation, who explained about the project through a PowerPoint presentation, said the vision of the project will be to prepare the next generation to mitigate climate change and to promote a sustainable lifestyle. According to him,  a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals from various streams of the district will also be roped in.

Earlier, in his inaugural address, Minister Surendran said the project, ‘Change Can Change Climate Change’, should have to become a silent revolution as it mulls ideas like urban afforestation, organic farming on vacant slots, green water kiosks, terrace farming, rainwater harvesting and inspiring the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The project which has garnered the support of organizations like CREDAI, apex body of Private Real Estate Developers Associations, Builders Association of India, Confederation of Indian Industry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Trivandrum Agenda Task Force and Pelican Foundation also have the support of students, residents’ associations, volunteers, arts and sports clubs and others. The inaugural session was also attended by Mayor VK Prasanth; SN Raghuchandran Nair, secretary, Chamber of Commerce; chairman and managing director of Terumo Penpol, Padmakumar and Women’s College principal Vijayalakshmi.

Plans pitched under ‘Change Can Change Climate Change’ project

Kilikoodu - an initiative to ensure green cover for the city. In the first phase, 25 cents of vacant plots will be taken for urban afforestation as bamboo and fruit saplings will be planted in these spaces
Oasis - a green alternative to packaged drinking water.  At 12 locations bamboo kiosks to be established
Sanjeevani - an initiative to promote organic farming as 40 cents of land to be identified to produce pesticide-free vegetables and fruits
Jaladhara - a program to harvest rainwater. Under this initiative houses, apartments, commercial buildings and others to be made self-sufficient in water supply
Udhyan - an effort to convert dumping sites to a place of attraction. Project targets to convert 36 dump sites per year
Chuttuvattom - to promote terrace farming as 480 terrace spaces to be made as centres of organic cultivation
Matsya - to promote fish farming as 360 households will be made part of the project in the first phase
Kokkarako - for promoting poultry farming as 720 households to be made part of the initiative in the first phase
Trivandrum Sports League - a yearlong program for identifying best sporting talents in the district and to promote a culture of adopting a healthy lifestyle through sports
The project gets a shot in the arm as Terumo Penpol under its CSR programme has handover a token amount towards various initiatives