Although global warming is fast becoming the most serious problem ever faced by mankind governments are apparently doing little to mitigate it. However, there are others seeking practical solutions to climate change. Farzana Nigar from Ranchi argued in a letter earlier this week (‘Cool earth’) that the WWF has initiated a campaign that could generate awareness around the world about the need to conserve energy and help cool the planet.

• Global warming is devastating health and the environment. There is a growing cry for energy conservation and combating the effects of climate change globally. But, very little is being done. To get people working on devising practical solutions to this problem, the WWF has initiated a climate change programme to fight global warming. An exciting campaign called Earth Hour was launched in Sydney in 2007, with the involvement of more than a dozen cities committed to fighting the greatest threat to earth. However, only a few Indian cities are a part of it. On March 29, 2008, at 8 pm (IST), millions of people the world over switched off their lights. This was meant to be a symbolic gesture towards reducing energy consumption levels. Every individual can make a positive impact on climate change. And every Indian city should learn to do its bit.

No politics, please

• China is being increasingly embarrassed by Tibetan protests across the globe. These protests have led to calls for an unequivocal boycott of the Beijing Olympics. While one cannot contest the argument about Tibetan rights, boycotting the Olympics is not the right way to address the issue. The Olympics being purely sports should not be viewed through the prism of politics.

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