Sounding an alarm over the threat to environment, Dr Singh said that climate change is threatening fragile ecosystems leading to problems like air pollution, water scarcity and an impending drought in the country. 

Outlining an agenda for resolving the crisis, Dr Manmohan Singh said the most important task is to educate the people about the environment crisis. The PM said people have to make changes in the way they produce and consume and the goal will be to attain an equilibrium in lifestyle.

“I seek your cooperation in making a success of the eight National Missions and other initiatives that are the key components of our National Action Plan on climate change. I would urge each state government to create their own state level action plan consistent with the strategies in the national plans,” he said. 

Another important issue cited by the Prime Minister as critical is the need to involve the local communities in the conservation efforts positively. Terming the country's tribals as the foot soldiers, Dr Singh said their wisdom and experience should be used to preserve the forests and nurse them, rather than turning them environment orphans.