Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) held an interactive session on “Environment as a Business Opportunity” with Jairam Ramesh, Politician, Economist and Author for their members. The event held at Taj Krishna was attended by over 70members.
“Environment is no longer a business opportunity, but it is a moral imperative. Environment is a responsibility. So India needs to see Environment seriously. Environment is significant to India, because it is linked to livelihood unlike many western countries where it is seen as a lifestyle. So don’t look Environment just as a business opportunity”, said Jairam Ramesh.
“On democratic reasons, Environment is very crucial to India. Our population is 120crores and in next 35 years it will be 124crore and by 2050 it will touch 170crore. India is the only country registering growth in population and many western countries are more are less stagnant. India is also young unlike many western nations, which are more of old people. The median age of India is 28years. So there is a more demand on natural resources. So India needs to see Environment very seriously”, he said.
“Climate change is a reality. Himalayan Glaciers are melting. Andhra Pradesh with one of the longest coastlines all ready started experiencing the impacts of climate change. Chemical contamination has been leaving effects on public health. Incidence of Asthama is increasing. In Bangaore, 25 per cent of school going children are suffering with Asthama, found a survey”, Jairam Ramesh said.
Commenting on Swach Bharath, he said that he wouldn’t sound to be pessimistic. It has to be more than mere photo opportunity. It is getting visibility nationally. But, I don’t think Modil will achieve what he aspiring to do by 2019, Jairam Ramesh added. He urged YFLO to come forward to take up the task of making Hyderabad “ A Open Defacation Free City”. When asked to suggest what he sees as potential green businesses in future he said I would bet on Water Recycling, Solar Energy and Green Air Conditioning.
Nidhi Swarup, Chairperson of YFLO, also spoke.(NSS)