As part of Earth Day yesterday, the Geology Department of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), in collaboration with the Shillong chapter of the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata, celebrated International Mother Earth Day.
Speakers at the programme focused on various pertinent issues related to the health of the planet.
NEHU Prof Devesh Walia highlighted the need for action and said that every person has the potential to act for the planet and that Earth Day is an invitation to begin on that path. Restoring damaged ecosystems, he added, will not help improve the Earth’s health but also help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction.
Another connection between the health of the planet and human beings, Prof Wahlia said, is disease.
“A healthy ecosystem helps protect us from disease. Biological diversity makes it difficult for pathogens to spread rapidly,” he stated, adding that 75 percent of new infectious diseases that emerge in humans comes from animals.
Meanwhile, NEHU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Henry Lamin, pressed the need to restore the Earth during the valedictory address.
Three contests – essay writing, photography and a quiz – were organised online on the occasion. The winners were sent e-certificates.
