Centre, HSBC join hands to deal with climate change

Apart from working out industry-specific solutions, the Forum is also aimed at spreading awareness about the issue, especially among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and tell them how to operate in a clean and efficient manner.

“The idea is not just to preach but also show the way towards a cleaner and more efficient way of doing business,” said Science and Technology minister Kapil Sibal.

The Forum would have a Climate Change Leadership Council, to be chaired by Sibal and co-chaired by HSBC country head in India Naina Lal Kidwai, which would include representatives from all the relevant fields.

“The council would be initially looking at suggesting the little things that all of us can do which will contribute towards lowering the carbon emissions. It will also try to come up with technology alternatives for industries and sectors,” Sibal said.

The first meeting of the Council, which is still to nominate its members, is likely to be held sometime in June or July after Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change has come out with a National Action Plan to deal with the issue. It intends to meet twice every year.

Meanwhile, the Earth Sciences Forum is planning to organise industry-specific workshops where the industries would be encouraged to share their experiences and come up with best practices.