Findings suggest mankind is responsible for temperature rises on
Earth but also the key to finding a solution to climate change
LONDON, Dec.1, 2015
/PRNewswire/ -- Leading up to COP 21,
the 21st annual session of the Conference of the Parties to the
1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
that seeks to set global agreements on climate change reduction
activities, a climate change and health symposium was held at
XJTLU.
The overwhelming message of the symposium was that mankind is
responsible for temperature rises on Earth but also the key to
finding a solution to climate change.
Prominent scientists took part in the event, aiming to
contribute to the global debate and discussion on climate change,
ahead of COP 21.
Hosted by the departments of Public Health and Environmental
Science at XJTLU, speakers addressed the issue of climate change
from various perspectives, provoking a "vibrant" exchange of
ideas.
Dr Don Prisno, from the
Department of Public Health and one of the co-conveners of the symposium, said: "Apart
from making immediate changes in our energy consumption, we have to
prepare for the results of climate change, which will affect the
livelihood and health of populations. Attention must now also focus
on adaptation - climate change will impact society in many ways and
we must be prepared for this."
XJTLU student Mia Oenoto, from Indonesia, delivered a Youth Climate
Declaration to the International Conference of Youth, held in
Paris ahead of COP 21.
Mia is also representing XJTLU at COP
21, where delegates from over 190 countries are
discussing reducing greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air
and contribute to global warming.
She worked with fellow student James
Guo, also attending COP 21, to
draft the youth declaration through a series of workshops with
XJTLU students.
Mia and James are environmental advocates and have been involved
in numerous initiatives to raise awareness of climate change, and
its impact, among young people.
Both are adamant that COP 21 must
successfully put in place a robust agreement that shows governments
around the world are serious about cutting carbon.
Mia said: "It has to work out this time. We're at the peak of
discussions, and these talks could open new opportunities."
XJTLU contributes to addressing social issues through degree
programme such as the BSc Environmental Science and BSc (Hons)
Public Health.
Contact:
Jacqueline Banki
Jacqueline.Banki@xjtlu.edu.cn