State Level Seminar on SDGs: Climate Change and Economic Growth held in Kiang Nangbah Govt College

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2023

The Department of Economics, in collaboration with IQAC at Kiang Nangbah Government College organised a State Level Seminar on the topic of “Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Change and Economic Growth” on September 20 in the Multipurpose Hall of the college. The seminar was sponsored by NABARD, West Jaintia Hills District, under the NABARD Climate Change Fund. The primary objective of the seminar is to inculcate and disseminate issues related to Climate change and its related aspects.

Prof. H.J. Syiemlieh from the Department of Geography at NEHU, Shillong, as the resource person explained in detail how the topography of the North Eastern Region has resulted in unique climatic conditions different from other regions of the world at the same longitudinal and latitudinal range. While elaborating on the distinct geographical position of the North Eastern Region, he also discussed the factors responsible for the monsoon in the region, the drainage corridor, ocean currents, cyclones, floods and the degree of precipitation received by the region.

Syiemlieh shared his valuable insights into the history, causes, and effects of climate change, particularly in the case of Meghalaya. He emphasized that ‘Climate Change’ is a natural phenomenon, with its perceived unnaturalness attributed to its frequency. He also mentioned that ‘The Meghalayan Age’ is an outcome of climate change that occurred thousands of years ago.

He provided a comprehensive description of the changing weather conditions and precipitation patterns in the state over the years due to climate change. He stated that “The most critical factor that would drive change in North East India is climate.” Highlighting the outcomes of climate change in the state, including its impacts on health, agriculture, forests, natural resources, coastal areas, species and biodiversity, he acknowledged the region’s vulnerability to the threat of climate change and extreme weather events, which could trigger a chain reaction among biotic and abiotic components. He concluded by stressing the urgent need for climate action and the implementation of sustainable policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals to combat the severe impact of climate change.

Other speakers at the event included Dr. I. Khongjoh from the Department of Economics at Synod College, Shillong, who presented on the challenges of climate change in Meghalaya and proposed solutions. Further, Dr. B. Lyngkhoi, Department of Economics at Kiang Nangbah Govt. College, Jowai, delivered a presentation on the role of economic growth and women’s empowerment in achieving climate change and Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the case of Meghalaya.

Smt. R. Nongrum, Department of Economics, chaired the inaugural function. The welcome address was delivered by the Head of the Department, Smt. I. Passah, who warmly welcomed the resource person for the event, Prof. H.J. Syiemlieh from the Department of Geography at NEHU, Shillong, who also delivered a keynote address. Dr. (Mrs.) E.M. Blah, Principal of the College, IQAC Coordinator of the College, Shri J.P. Sharma, faculties and students from other colleges, as well as students of Kiang Nangbah Govt. College, Jowai, were also in attendance. The vote of thanks was proposed by Smt. C. Shadap, Department of Economics, who expressed sincere gratitude to all the participants, speakers, students, and invitees.

The Principal of the Institute emphasized the grave danger of climate change and its impacts and expressed the need for enforcing crucial steps to combat climate change.