‘Integrated solution to global warming is the need of the hour’

Health Secretary Supriya Sahu, Health Minister. Subramaniam, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu with the book in Chennai on Wednesday. | Photo credit: Srinath M

Photo: M. Srinath

An integrated approach to the welfare of humans, animals, environment and ecosystems is a part of Tamil culture and collectively finding lasting solutions to the challenges posed by global warming and climate change is the need of the hour, said Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasoo. , Environment and Climate Change, here Wednesday.

In his concluding address at the ‘One Health and Climate Change’ Tamil Nadu Symposium, Mr. Thennarassu emphasized the importance of discussing the concept of ‘One Health’ among all stakeholders to find solutions to emerging challenges. He also said that the state government had recently declared the heat wave as a state special disaster.

Climate change

Minister of Health and Family Welfare. Subramaniam said that the state has experienced excessive rainfall this year due to climate change and added that the government is taking steps to increase the green cover in Tamil Nadu to 33%.

Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Supriya Sahu said that four international agencies like Food and Agriculture Organization, World Animal Health Organization, World Health Organization and United Nations Environment Program have worked on this concept. She said the Tamil Nadu government was a pioneer in setting up ‘One Health Hub’. Based on the ideas discussed at the seminar, Ms. Sahu suggested the establishment of a State of Health Observatory, and a State of Health Institute in Tamil Nadu for capacity building, training, and development of protocols. He stressed the need to address antimicrobial resistance in animals and the indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture.

Mr. Subramaniam launched the ‘One Health’ logo and released an introductory booklet – ‘One Health and Climate Change: A Tamil Nadu Perspective’.

Mr. Tennarasu released the short film ‘The Power of Oneness’ and ‘5 Pillars of One Health’ on ‘One Health and Climate Change’. Senthil Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests; A. Arun Thamburaj, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu; M. Arvind, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation was present.