UK, India experts look for Kolkata’s recovery, post Covid and Amphan – Times of India

KOLKATA: The British Deputy High Commission Kolkata and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) on Tuesday hosted an international webinar on ‘Building Back Better: Roadmap for Kolkata’s Green Recovery’.
The focus was on Kolkata’s resilient recovery amidst Covid-19 and Cyclone Amphan. Experts from the UK and India agreed that both nations must work together as a force to combat the impact of Covid-19 and climate change.
Prabhat Kumar Mishra, principal secretary, transport, said the Bengal government was committed to embrace e-mobility. “We are going to roll out a large number of e-buses in Kolkata, Siliguri, Haldia and Durgapur. The government is also looking for PPP to set up charging stations across the city,” Mishra said.
The UK will host the COP 26 Climate Summit in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021. The World Environment Day on 5 June saw the official launch of “Race to Zero”, the global COP26 campaign to mobilize leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery from Covid-19. A recovery that creates jobs, unlocks inclusive and sustainable growth, and reduces the risk of future shocks.
Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata said: “I’m delighted to speak at our webinar with our friends and partners from the Government of West Bengal, Dundee City Council from across Kolkata and of course the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Build Back starts now. Together, as a Force for Good, we commit to sustainable and inclusive growth, clean and green jobs in the industries of the future, and to action that puts public health, climate resilience and biodiversity at the heart of what we do.”
Gautam Ray, chairperson, Energy and Environment Committee, BCCI, said: “There are some unanswered questions and need for preparedness for the ‘new normal’. Plastics and e-wastes may be challenges with more use to combat Covid-19 and adaptation to digital economy. Pollution level will increase with growing trend of personalized vehicles unless e-mobility is promoted. Climate change is inducing newer challenges like super cyclones (Amphan), and invasion of locusts which are dampening economy further and making prevention procedures of Covid-19 more difficult. BCCI believes that it is important to identify new challenges and prepare for resilience in the new normal.”
Naomi Clarke, sustainability and climate change officer, Dundee City Council, UK, said, “Dundee are pushing ahead with our Climate Action Plan during the Covid-19 pandemic as the timing is critical to avert the Climate Crisis. We are focussing on modelling carbon emissions, awareness raising and continued collaboration to keep the momentum high.”