The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, commemorated Earth Day 2026 today at Prithvi Bhavan, centered around the theme "Our Power, Our Planet." The event featured a high-level gathering of scientists, senior officials, and staff who collectively took the Earth Day Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship.

The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Padma Shri Dr. Shailesh Nayak, former Secretary of MoES and current Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). The event was presided over by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, alongside notable attendees including Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (DGM, IMD), Shri S. Gopal Krishna (Joint Secretary, MoES), and Dr. Jagvir Singh (Scientist G).

Knowledge as a Tool for Resilience

In a keynote address, Dr. Shailesh Nayak provided a sweeping historical perspective on human adaptation, noting that while humans have survived dramatic climate shifts over 200,000 years, the rate of change in the last century, rise in global temperature, is unprecedented.

"The question today, especially for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is generating critical knowledge to address global environmental change," said Dr. Nayak. "We must move beyond understanding 'how' changes occur to understanding the specific risks and implications. Our future must not only be resilient but equitable."

Dr. Nayak highlighted several critical observations:

Agricultural Shifts: Rising CO2 levels impact C3 crops like wheat and rice more severely than C4 crops like millets, underscoring the importance of the "Mission Millet" initiative.

Water Security: Projections indicate an increase in water for the Indus Basin, but a significant reduction for the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, affecting India’s most populous regions.

Climate Justice: Dr. Nayak emphasized that while India’s per capita energy use is significantly lower than the developed world the nation is leading in global "greening" efforts alongside China and Europe.

Addressing the "Earth’s Fever"

Addressing the urgency of the climate crisis, MoES Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran remarked, "A rise might sound small, but just as a few degrees cause a fever in the human body, the Earth is now running a fever. The oceans and poles are warming at alarming rates."

He further noted that: Humans are currently consuming resources 1.8 times faster than the Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate. India remains the only country in the world with a dedicated Ministry of Earth Sciences, reflecting the government's unique commitment to the planet. The Ministry continues to spearhead vital missions, including the Deep Ocean Mission, Mission Mausam, and PRITHVI.

A Call to Action

In this event a presentation on the Ministry's 2026 Earth Day activities and outreach programs were presented. The Speakers emphasized that "Every day is Earth Day," urging individuals to move from awareness to actionable items to safeguard the planet for future generations.

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NKR/SG

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