New Delhi, 9 September 2026: The World Environment Council (WEC) successfully conducted its National Webinar 2026 on the theme “Sustainability & Environmental Literacy for the Next Generation” on 9 September 2026. The online webinar brought together teachers, students, researchers, environmentalists, professionals and participants from different parts of the country to discuss the importance of environmental awareness, education and practical action.
The session was chaired by Prof. Ganesh Channa, who welcomed the participants and emphasized that environmental challenges are no longer concerns limited to scientists, environmentalists or government institutions. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, water scarcity, waste management, energy consumption and pressure on natural resources affect individuals, communities, institutions and future generations.
Prof. Channa explained that environmental literacy goes beyond simply knowing about environmental problems. It involves understanding environmental issues, recognizing their causes and impacts, making responsible choices and translating knowledge into practical action. He highlighted the important progression from knowledge and understanding to responsibility and action.
Prof. Hemlata Talesra Highlights the Role of Education: The featured speaker, Prof. Hemlata Talesra, focused on environmental literacy, sustainable development and the role of education in creating a greener future.
Prof. Talesa emphasized the moral responsibility of society to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Her presentation highlighted the interconnected relationship between environmental protection, economic development and social progress, along with the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals.
She also discussed key environmental principles, including the interconnectedness of nature, the importance of all forms of life, the finite nature of the Earth and the collective responsibility to protect the environment.
According to Prof. Talesra, education is one of the most powerful tools for developing environmental awareness. Environmental education can provide students and communities with the knowledge, skills and values needed to understand environmental challenges and contribute to long-term solutions.
She called for environmental concepts to be integrated across school and college subjects and encouraged critical thinking, hands-on learning, connection with nature and participation in local environmental initiatives. She also stressed the importance of starting environmental action at the grassroots level.
Interactive Discussion on Environmental Challenges: A significant feature of the webinar was the open interaction between speakers and participants. Participants raised questions and shared experiences related to waste management, environmental education, ESG, sustainable industry, water conservation, digital pollution, environmental governance, resource-based conflicts and sustainable development.
The discussion highlighted practical challenges such as waste segregation, public awareness, implementation of environmental policies and the need for stronger participation from educational institutions, communities, NGOs, industries and local authorities.
Participants also discussed how students can contribute through activities such as waste management initiatives, composting, rainwater harvesting, lake and community clean-up activities, recycling, biodiversity protection and environmental awareness campaigns.
The webinar also emphasized that environmental responsibility should not remain an individual effort alone. Educational institutions, businesses, industries, government bodies, civil society organizations and communities all have important roles in creating sustainable systems.
From Awareness to Action: The webinar repeatedly emphasized that awareness must lead to action. Participants were encouraged to adopt simple but consistent environmental practices such as saving water and energy, reducing unnecessary consumption, reusing and repairing products, segregating waste, reducing food waste, avoiding unnecessary single-use products and choosing walking, cycling or public transport wherever practical.
The webinar concluded with a call for collective responsibility and continued environmental engagement. Prof. Ganesh Channa urged participants to make sustainability part of everyday life and highlighted the WEC’s guiding spirit:
“Educate • Inspire • Empower • Act.”
He emphasized that a sustainable future cannot be created by one person or one organization alone, but through the responsible choices and collective efforts of people every day.
The World Environment Council expressed its gratitude to Prof. Hemlata Talesra, Prof. Ganesh Channa, the organizers, speakers and all participants for contributing to the National Webinar 2026.
“For a Sustainable Earth. For Future Generations.”
