Celebration of National Pollution Control Day 2020

Creating a safer earth for all

The Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, celebrated National Pollution Control Day 2020 on December 2, 2020 at 5PM by organising an informative workshop on Environmental Temperature linked to pollution, cancer and COVID-19.

The workshop was intended to educate students on the need for environmental protection and sustainable living. Dr Chandi Charan Mandal (Professor, Central University of Rajasthan) was the guest speaker for the evening.

Dr. Mandal began by explaining that the risks of global warming are well-documented and accepted in the scientific community. Why is there no substantial measure taken against it in the face of such evidence? “Most of us see it as a far-off thing in the future. Climate change is happening now, its effects are being felt now but we are not registering it. We are choosing not to,” he stressed.

Dr. Mandal discussed the effects of pollution and changing temperatures on respiratory diseases such SARS CoV-2 infection and cancer. “We have studies to back up the fact that falling temperatures and dry climates will aggravate Covid-19 and cancer patients and may cause a spike in cases,” he said.

“With rapidly changing climate conditions, our body isn’t getting the time to adapt. Global warming has given rise to bizarre climatic conditions, making our bodies more susceptible to infections,” he explained.

What is the solution to such problems? “A strict governmental measure to control pollution is a must. On our part, we must take extra precautions during winter and convince elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions to use a humidifier,” he said.

The discussion ended with a Q&A session. On being asked if he found the session useful, Joydeep Pal ( BSc. Biotechnology, student) replied, “ I have grandparents with a history of pneumonia. This will help me care for them. It will also be helpful in my studies as I am interested in exploring climate studies later on.”