Railway minister advocates use of renewable energy

Speaking out against the harmful effects of greenhouse gases due to fossil fuel useage at a lecture, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu called for a change 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.

Giving the example of the unseasonl rains that hit India and destroyed the crops, 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.”

Prabhu called for a newer, sustainable sources of energy, saying that the current use of fossil fuels is not sustainable for the environment. He said finding newer sources of energy is a big challenge.

Pushing the case for solar energy, he said, “We have 300 days of good sunshine in India. We do not have to import solar energy. We should focus on solar power.”

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.”