Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised a one-day seminar on climate change on January 22, 2026 at the university campus. The theme of the seminar was “Is the Future Safe for Us? – A Look into the Impact of Climate Change”.

The aim of the seminar was to generate awareness on climate change, its far-reaching impacts, and the need for sustainable and adaptive strategies. 230 students of SXUK attended the seminar.

A lecture on “Climate Change: Its Impact on our Planet” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Pedro Walpole, S.J., Director of Research, The Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change, Philippines. Dr. Jayanta Basu, an environment journalist and consultant delivered a lecture on “Sustainable actions that can help mitigate climate change: Case Studies of India” in the second session.

A panel discussion on “Climate Risk: Impact and Adaptation Strategies in Business” took place at the post-lunch session. The panellists included Mr. Jayanta Karmakar, Head EHS & Sustainability, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Utpal Goswami, Manager (RE), DVC; Dr. Tirthankar Nag, Professor, IMI Kolkata; and Mr. Debraj Sinha Roy, CHRO, MotoVolt Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

The seminar sensitized participants to the pressing issue of climate change and encouraged critical thinking on mitigation and adaptation strategies across environmental, social, and business domains.

Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI