PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
During the five-day conference being organised at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) which commenced on June 16, scholarly deliberations were held on climate change along with technological improvements. Emphasis was laid on developing advanced technology to deal with this problem. Atmospheric experts from many countries including Japan, Australia, Germany and USA, are participating in the conference.
Addressing the conference, the Australian scientist, Nicholas said that the countries across the world would have to expand facilities like aero missions and connect them with ground-based climate related equipment. “Nothing is impossible for science. The scope of research, however, will have to be increased and systems will have to be operated in accordance with nature in the world,” he added. The German atmospheric scientist, Mathias, on his part, threw light on weather- related technology and facilities in the European countries. He said that the technology of weather forecasting in the European countries is quite advanced but sometimes people are surprised by the sudden change in weather. Giving more information about the effects of climate change in the European countries, he said that snowfall along with storms has increased in some parts and decreased in some parts. “The fact that the situation has not improved even after knowing the reasons for them is a matter of great concern,” he said. The USA’s scientist, Jim spoke of the storms sweeping across the American Gulf countries and said that the increase in their number is worrisome.
The ARIES director, Manish Naja gave information about the use of ground based Fourier Transform Infrared FTIR spectroscopy data. He said that 170 such devices have been installed across the world so far.
Inaugurating the conference, the former ISRO chairman, A S Kiran Kumar said that the use of space- based platforms is essential for the study of climate change and air pollution. He appreciated the efforts of ARIES for bringing global experts to discuss such important global issues. The Belgian scientist, Mahesh Shah had informed that there are few FTIR – based observations in India which should be enhanced to better understand climate change in this region.
Notably, scientists from 15 countries are attending the conference.
