MPSTME & IEEE Bombay Section Student Activities Committee Presents “Climate Change: An Expert Talk” featuring Professor Saifur Rahman

Mumbai, 31 July, 2023 – SVKM’s NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering (MPSTME), along with IEEE Bombay Section Student Activities Committee, organised an enlightening and informative session, “Climate Change: An Expert Talk”. The event featured renowned expert and visionary, Professor Saifur Rahman, who addressed the critical importance of sustaining the climate and the urgent need for collective action.

Professor Saifur Rahman is the founding director of the Advanced Research Institute at Virginia Tech, USA. He is IEEE President USA.  He also directs the Center for Energy and the Global Environment at the university. He is a distinguished Life Fellow of the IEEE and recipient of the prestigious IEEE Millennium Medal. In 2018 and 2019, he held the notable position of President of the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES). He also founded BEM Controls, LLC, a US-based building energy management software company. Additionally, he chaired the US National Science Foundation Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering from 2010 to 2013.

Expressing his strong viewpoints on sustainability and the need to address climate change, he said, “I wish to discuss why it is a challenge to sustain the climate and why it is important. If you see what’s happening today, there are unprecedented disasters. Issues like the heavy rains in Delhi and Saudi Arabia and the forest fires in Siberia as a result of the North Pole warming up and icebergs breaking up all demand our attention. As humans, we have the responsibility to protect the species.”

He also emphasized on the importance of educating the girls on climate and engineering and said on the matter, “If a girl doesn’t know what engineering and climate are by the age of 12, she will never know. Currently, there are 20% of girls in engineering in the US, 30% of girls in engineering in India, and more than 50% of girls in engineering in Malaysia. So my point is to make them understand. Climate change is an issue that has to be understood by everybody – from high school teachers to bankers to doctors and lawyers.”

This session on Climate Change proved to be highly beneficial for the students. Professor Saifur Rahman’s informative discourse, students gained a deeper understanding of the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on our planet. The enriching experience allowed the students to connect with professionals and peers interested in making a positive impact on the environment.

As he highlighted the critical importance of taking immediate and collective action to address the environmental challenges we face, it not only raised awareness but also inspired and motivated the MPSTME students to contribute towards sustainable solutions and be agents of change in combating climate change. By engaging in such initiatives, SVKM’s NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering (MPSTME) continues to fulfil its mission of providing comprehensive education that aligns with the ever-evolving needs of society.

“Through enlightening sessions like ‘Climate Change: An Expert Talk,’ we sow the seeds of awareness and nurture the growth of a sustainable future. Together, with visionaries like Professor Saifur Rahman, we shall rise to the occasion and forge a path of stewardship for our generations.”, said Dr. Alka Mahajan, Dean, MPSTME, as an appreciation towards this unforgettable session which urged each and everyone to be the catalysts of change.

Shri. Anand Suhas Gharpure, Chair IEEE Bombay Section said, “ When Engineers talks about and takes up the Climate Change Challenge they mean business and once IEEE Members takes up any challenge nothing is impossible.  We are sure that we will be able to achieve 2030 goals well before that.  It’s not only IEEE President’s vision but IEEE as a whole.  IEEE Bombay Section is bound by it’s duty towards the Sustainable Future. ”