Agri-promotion: Arid varsity to have climate change dept

Would provide a foundation for science-based skills

RAWALPINDI: The academic council of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Monday approved establishment of the climate change department under the Institute of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation.

This was decided in the 55th meeting of the council held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad.

There is lack of scientific research in the field of climate change in Pakistan, he said.

The department will be helpful in addressing national demands of agriculture-based economy, which is under stress due to climate change and extreme weather, Dr Ahmad added.

Strong academic section is the backbone of a university, the vice-chancellor said.

He stressed the need to promote climate change awareness not only among decision makers and young intelligentsia but also for end-users such as farmers and general public to contribute to socio-economic development of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2016.