Suresh Prabhu cautions against effects of greenhouse gases; advocates use of solar, wind energy

New Delhi, Apr 20: Cautioning against harmful effects of greenhouse gases due to fossil fuel use, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has advocated a paradigm shift in the energy scenario through the use of alternative energy like solar and wind power.

"The largescale use of fossil fuel worldwide is causing greenhouse gas emission affecting the climate adversely. All have agreed that greenhouse gas emission due to use of fossil fuel is causing global warming and climate change," he said at a memorial lecture on Sunday.

Explaining the consequence of greenhouse gas emission, he said, "The unseasonal rain in the recent time and the amount of change in weather cannot be imagined. Extreme weather is causing adverse effect on agriculture like damage to crop."

He said the present global regime of energy is not sustainable in terms of environment.

"We must find out new source of energy which are sustainable and it is a big challenge today."

Advocating use of solar and wind energy, he said solar and wind energy can lead to a new paradigm shift in the energy scenario.

"We have 300 days of good sunshine in India. We do not have to import solar energy. We should focus on solar power," he said.

"However, there is a requirement for storage facility of solar energy, he said. The Minister also suggested tapping of oceanic energy while noting that India has a long coastline.

Suggesting other changes to keep the environment clean, he said, "Buildings should be designed as energy-efficient. Since ground water is depleting, steps should be taken like rain water harvesting to prevent further fall in water level."

PTI