The Department of Geology at Pavai Arts and Science College for Women celebrated World Earth Day on 22.04.2025 with the theme “Planet Earth: Combating Pollution for a Sustainable Future.”
The event commenced with a soulful prayer song and the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, setting a reverent tone for the proceedings. Ms. S. Sivadharshini of III B.Sc. Geology welcomed the gathering warmly. Dr. N. Ezhili, Principal of Pavai Arts and Science College for Women, delivered the presidential address, emphasizing the significance of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Ms. L. Junaith Asma from III BCA introduced the guest speaker, Professor Dr. R. R. Krishnamurthy, Director, Centre for Research, Paavai Educational Institutions.
The chief guest delivered an insightful presentation on the theme. He explained Earth’s climatic history, noting that the planet has undergone four major ice ages, which are well-documented in rock and sediment records. He elaborated on tools such as tillites, striated bedrocks, and ice cores, and how these are used to analyze past climates. He drew parallels between ice cores and tree rings, illustrating how each tells a story about Earth’s climate over thousands of years. The students were fascinated to learn how air bubbles in the ice trap gases and pollen, offering clues about ancient climate changes.
He also presented a clear chart on climate change in India, highlighting current and potential impacts:
- A possible drop of up to 50% in maize yields and 35% in rice production
- Water variability ranging from a 50% increase to a 40% decrease
- Shifts in forest ecosystems and threats to biodiversity
- Increased health risks due to extreme heat and climate-induced diseases
To bring context, he referenced real events: - Mumbai (2005) – 994 mm rainfall in one day
- Leh (2010) – Cloudburst resulting in 255 deaths
- Uttarakhand (2013) – Disaster causing over 5,700 fatalities
- Chennai (2015) – 272 mm of rain in 12 hours
He spoke about India’s vulnerable 7,500+ km coastline, warning of erosion, pollution, and rising sea levels. Particularly in Tamil Nadu, 15 fishing villages are already facing land loss, impacting entire communities and ecosystems.
He also linked the message to the G20 Summit 2023 in India, highlighting the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, stressing global unity and collective action against climate change.
The session was highly interactive. The speaker engaged the students with questions about building a sustainable future, to which students responded with thoughtful ideas—like making campuses greener, reducing plastic use, and adopting rainwater harvesting. He urged the students to focus on emission reduction, tree planting, mindful consumption, and emphasized that adaptation and mitigation are essential steps in the climate action journey.
He further elaborated on key issues such as global warming, air bubble formation, and the enhanced greenhouse effect, along with the increasing occurrence of floods, cyclones, and droughts across India and globally.
His closing message was powerful:
“Our generation may not have caused climate change, but we are the last who can stop it. Be aware. Be involved. Be the change.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. S. Rajakumari of II B.Com (CA), followed by the National Anthem, leaving the audience deeply inspired and committed to environmental action.
