Patna: Global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced urgently if the world is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, renowned climate scientist Alexander A Baklanov of the University of Copenhagen said at NIT Patna on Monday, warning that the global carbon budget is shrinking rapidly.Addressing the inaugural session of a five-day international workshop on climate change organised by the department of architecture, engineering and planning at NIT Patna, Baklanov discussed the IPCC assessment framework, the Interactive Atlas, and the links between hazards, exposure, vulnerability and disaster risk.Emphasising the key role of cities in both greenhouse gas emissions and climate vulnerability, Baklanov advocated stronger climate data systems, effective early warning mechanisms, enhanced scientific cooperation and resilient urban planning.Department head Shailendra Kumar Mandal said architecture and planning go beyond designing buildings and cities, focusing on creating sustainable, resilient, inclusive and climate-responsive communities through quality teaching, impactful research and meaningful outreach. Prabhat Kumar, dean of students’ welfare at NIT-P, presided over the session.Among those attending the workshop were Olga Rigina of Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Abhishek Kumar Bittu, Preksha Gupta and Milind A. Kamble.The workshop will deliberate on topics including earth system prediction, atmospheric pollution, environmental risks, climate services, sand and dust storms, climate change mitigation and adaptation, energy and food security, and pathways to resilient and sustainable development.
