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Press Statement: Breakthrough Science Society stands with Mr Sonam Wangchuk
The Breakthrough Science Society (BSS) expresses its solidarity with Mr Sonam
Wangchuk as he undertakes a peaceful long march from Ladakh to Delhi to create public
awareness of the impending disaster in Ladakh due to climate change and to urge the Union
Government to take effective steps to protect the fragile ecosystem of the region.
The consequences of rising temperatures, notably the rapid retreat of glaciers, pose
imminent risks to critical water sources essential for the region’s survival. The Indian
Government should take urgent measures to reach the target of zero net carbon emissions by
cutting down the use of fossil fuels and afforestation of all land unsuitable for agriculture. In
contrast, we see rampant deforestation in the name of ‘development’ and increasing use of coal
and petroleum products in electricity production and transportation. Alternative energy sources
like solar photovoltaics are being employed incorrectly by handing over scarce pasture land to
corporate houses to install solar panels. In tune with Mr Wangchuk, the BSS also demands that
the Indian government play its role in averting the climate catastrophe. We also support the
demand to bring Ladakh, with its distinct environment and cultural heritage, under the Sixth
Schedule to give the region’s indigenous people the right to self-governance.
The BSS stands with him in appealing to everyone to join in raising awareness,
demanding action, and unitedly resolving to confront the challenges of climate change and forge
a path to a more sustainable and hopeful future.
The BSS strongly protests against the repressive measures taken by the government to
prevent the peaceful march from entering Delhi. We call upon the government to engage
immediately with Sonam Wangchuk and the protestors, to listen to their legitimate demands and
see that their concerns about their environment and the well-being of the Ladakhi people are
genuinely addressed and not sacrificed at the altar of so-called industrial development and
investments for profits.