Modi launches Lifestyle for Environment movement

By Our Special Correspondent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement', a global initiative, and asserted that its vision is to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it. Launching a global initiative Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement, on the occasion of World Environment Day today through video conferencing, Mr Modi said, the vision of LiFE is to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it and those who live such a lifestyle are called Pro-Planet People.

"Reduce, reuse and recycle are the concepts woven in our life. Circular economy has been an integral part of our culture and lifestyle," Modi said, noting that gods and goddesses in India have plants and animals associated with them, and nature equated with divinity. The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties COP-26 in Glasgow last year. The idea promotes an environment conscious lifestyle that focuses on mindful and deliberate utilization instead of mindless and destructive consumption.

"Mahatma Gandhi talked about a zero-carbon lifestyle. In our daily life choices, let us pick the most sustainable options. Let us follow the principle of reuse, reduce and recycle. Our planet is one, but our efforts have to be many. One earth, many efforts," he said.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant were present on the occasion. The programme also witnessed participation of Co-Chairman Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, Climate Economist Lord Nicholas Stern, Author of Nudge Theory Prof. Cass Sunstein, CEO and President World Resources Institute Aniruddha Dasgupta, UNEP Global Head Ms. Inger Andersen, UNDP Global Head Achim Steiner, World Bank President David Malpass among others.

"Our commitment to reach 40 per cent of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources has been achieved, nine years ahead of schedule. We have achieved 10 per cent ethanol blending in petrol, five months ahead of the November 2022 target. This is a major accomplishment given that blending was hardly 1.5 per cent in 2013-14 and 5 per cent in 2019-20," the PM added. Mr Bill Gates said that he was inspired by India's leadership and efforts to curb rising emissions. He said he is excited to learn about the LiFE movement and its potential to draw in the full power of collective action. Mr Gates said to eliminate greenhouse gases we need innovative technologies and participation from all.