Asserting that the “global warming” issue has been a “bit exaggerated”, space scientist and former ISRO Chairman U R Rao has appealed to the people not to worry about it.
Speaking at a function organised here on Monday, Dr Rao said some agencies were exaggerating the issue.
“I am not saying global warming is not taking place. It is. But there is no need to make such a big hue and cry because in the last 100 years, the temperature has risen by only 0.7 degrees. Notwithstanding global warming, glaciers are breaking down, but the question is how much?” he asked.
The function was jointly organised by United States Agency for International Development, Winrock International India, New Delhi and Bharatiya Vikas Trust, Manipal to award banks for promoting and financing solar home lighting systems.
Dr Rao said even without burning of coal, there could be global warming because the US and the West consumed a lot of energy.
“The solution lies in the US and the West reducing the energy consumption levels, but they are not ready to do it,” he said.
On the row over nuclear pact, Dr Rao said whether the argument was pro-agreement or against it, nuclear energy is the solution.
“Unfortunately, both pro- and anti-groups are talking about 123 clause without knowing much about the issue,” he said. Dr Rao said unlimited energy available from space could solve future needs of mankind. “Sunlight is available round the clock. All you need to do is convert it into micro-wave energy,” he felt.
