27-May-2023: Participants take LiFE pledge to adopt  environmentally friendly habits to sustain  natural resources of Indian Himalayan Region

World Environment Day (June 5) is an occasion which brings together millions of people across the country for awareness and action for the environment. This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. The concept of LiFE, i.e., Lifestyle for Environment was introduced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, at the World Leaders' Summit in Glasgow at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26, when he gave a clarion call to rekindle a global pursuit to adopt sustainable lifestyle and practices. Mass mobilisation across the country on LiFE are being organized in the run-up to the celebrations.

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

RGRMNH, Sawai Madhopur organised Nukkad Natak on “Dharti Kare Pukar” as part of Meri_LiFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT) to create Awareness on Save Nature from Plastic Pollution, Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Deforestation, Using Chemical Fertilizers in Agriculture etc. In which Participants of Summer Vacation Programme actively participated in two Nukkad Natak and performed in presence of about 170 Students and visitors on 27th May 2023.

RMNH, BHUBANESWAR organized an orientation session with 123 students of  Nimapara, Puri on "The gentle giants: Pachyderms and their conservation. Along with students the general public also participated in the event  as part of MISSION LiFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT)

Zoological Survey of India

Under Mission LiFE 'Adopt Healthy Lifestyle' the Recreation Club, Zoological Survey of India organised a week long Health Camp  in which  the  concluding program was a Health Checkup Camp  for all its employees in which a total of 200 employees took part. Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, ZSI who actively took part in all the events said that this was the first step in making the employees aware that each one have to adopt healthy lifestyle which would in turn increase their overall efficiency and  work output of ZSI.   The camp provided checkup of Body Weight, Blood pressure, Blood  guidance provided on diet by skilled dietician. The health Camp week started with a blood donation camp, meditation camp, talk on Importance of Millets for good health and concluded with the health Checkup.

GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE)

 Himachal Regional Center of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment organized an awareness and action campaign cum Community participation program under the ‘Adopt Healthy Lifestyle’ theme of Mission LiFE.  A total of 35 participants from institute participated in the program including the researchers, supporting staff, faculties and women’s representatives from Naraini Panchayat in the event. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt the environmentally friendly habits to sustain the natural resources of Indian Himalayan Region.

National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized another awareness event at Haryalidevi landscape, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand wherein the awareness under LiFE Mission. Director, Faculties, Researchers, supporting staff of NIHE, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and local villagers participated in the program. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt the environmentally friendly habits.

National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)

The NCSCM has launched yet another effort to promote Mission LiFE themes in the fishing community of Old Town in the District of Cuddalore. Cuddalore District is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is an important coastal district in the state. The district is one of the most productive fishing areas in Tamil Nadu, with a large fishing community. The district also has several tourist attractions for domestic tourists and people from all over India. The Cuddalore district has a coastal length of 58 kilometres and 49 fishing villages, with a total population of 47,000 marine fishermen. There are 23840 active fishermen among them, and almost 15000 fisherwomen are involved in fishing-related activities. There are 235 mechanised fishing boats and 2345 FRP boats, as well as 1906 non-motorised boats, operating in this district.

NCSCM scientists used this initiative to sensitise nearly 50 fishermen, dry fish godown owners, and ice plant owners about the themes of Mission LiFE and the importance of practicing responsible and environmentally friendly fishing, hygienic fish handling and processing, and energy and water conservation. These initiatives, including the retrieval and recycling of any abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), were emphasised since a single ALDFG can remain in the sea for up to 600 years before decomposing. Plastic contamination, particularly microplastics in the marine environment, as well as their bioaccumulation in the food chain, were highlighted by NCSCM experts. The fishermen were sensitised to practice waste segregation at home and on board while fishing. As part of the event, NCSCM staff explained to the fishing community the need for management strategies to control fishing-related litter (FRL), clean sea initiatives such as "fishing for litter" to encourage fishermen to bring back the FRL to shore-based reception facilities (RFs) and collecting end-of-life (EOL) fishing gear towards extended producer responsibility as a measure for the circular economy and to close the plastic loop in the marine environment. Further, NCSCM scientists emphasised that such actions can enhance the value chain of FRL, which serves as a source of income during the fishing ban period. Additionally, it was suggested that during the fishing ban, the fishing community can utilize value-added fish products for additional income and livelihood diversification. This event taught the fishermen in a simple manner about the sensitivity of the marine habitat, climate change, and the need to live in harmony with nature. At the harbour, LiFE themes were displayed through posters and pamphlets promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyles. By actively engaging in the Life pledge and signature campaign, the fishing community expressed their support for the LiFE mission.

13-Mar-2023: ‘LIFE’ - ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, key to combating climate change

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Government has started Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement with a view to sensitize all stakeholders, including the public at large, about the need for mindful utilization instead of mindless consumption of resources. A comprehensive and non-exhaustive list of 75 individual environment-friendly actions (LiFE actions) across 7 categories has been identified for nudging individuals, communities and institutions as a part of this movement.

In the written reply it was stated that the five elements enunciated by India at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 have been appropriately incorporated in enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under Paris Agreement and Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategies towards net zero emissions by 2070, in accordance with the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in light of National Circumstances.

The update to NDC submitted to UNFCCC in August 2022 includes India's commitment to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level; achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund; and put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.

The NDC update is a step towards achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070; for which India has prepared and submitted a separate framework document titled ‘India’s Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategy’ to the secretariat of the UNFCCC in November 2022. India’s long term strategy rests on seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways including promotion on economy-wide decoupling of growth from emissions and development of an efficient, innovative low-emission industrial system.

It was also stated that Government of India has already taken a number of measures including the announcements in the Union Budget 2022-23 and 2023-24. Green economy is one of the top seven priorities (Saptarishi) of the Union Budget presented to the Parliament on Feb 1, 2023. The Union Budget provides for Rs. 35,000 crores for priority capital investments towards energy transition and net zero objectives, and energy security. The Budget pushes energy transition by encouraging domestic production of solar power equipment and batteries, in line with India's climate commitments.

27-May-2023: Participants take LiFE pledge to adopt  environmentally friendly habits to sustain  natural resources of Indian Himalayan Region

World Environment Day (June 5) is an occasion which brings together millions of people across the country for awareness and action for the environment. This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. The concept of LiFE, i.e., Lifestyle for Environment was introduced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, at the World Leaders' Summit in Glasgow at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26, when he gave a clarion call to rekindle a global pursuit to adopt sustainable lifestyle and practices. Mass mobilisation across the country on LiFE are being organized in the run-up to the celebrations.

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

RGRMNH, Sawai Madhopur organised Nukkad Natak on “Dharti Kare Pukar” as part of Meri_LiFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT) to create Awareness on Save Nature from Plastic Pollution, Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Deforestation, Using Chemical Fertilizers in Agriculture etc. In which Participants of Summer Vacation Programme actively participated in two Nukkad Natak and performed in presence of about 170 Students and visitors on 27th May 2023.

RMNH, BHUBANESWAR organized an orientation session with 123 students of  Nimapara, Puri on "The gentle giants: Pachyderms and their conservation. Along with students the general public also participated in the event  as part of MISSION LiFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT)

Zoological Survey of India

Under Mission LiFE 'Adopt Healthy Lifestyle' the Recreation Club, Zoological Survey of India organised a week long Health Camp  in which  the  concluding program was a Health Checkup Camp  for all its employees in which a total of 200 employees took part. Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, ZSI who actively took part in all the events said that this was the first step in making the employees aware that each one have to adopt healthy lifestyle which would in turn increase their overall efficiency and  work output of ZSI.   The camp provided checkup of Body Weight, Blood pressure, Blood  guidance provided on diet by skilled dietician. The health Camp week started with a blood donation camp, meditation camp, talk on Importance of Millets for good health and concluded with the health Checkup.

GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE)

 Himachal Regional Center of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment organized an awareness and action campaign cum Community participation program under the ‘Adopt Healthy Lifestyle’ theme of Mission LiFE.  A total of 35 participants from institute participated in the program including the researchers, supporting staff, faculties and women’s representatives from Naraini Panchayat in the event. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt the environmentally friendly habits to sustain the natural resources of Indian Himalayan Region.

National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized another awareness event at Haryalidevi landscape, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand wherein the awareness under LiFE Mission. Director, Faculties, Researchers, supporting staff of NIHE, Tata Institute of Social Sciences and local villagers participated in the program. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt the environmentally friendly habits.

National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)

The NCSCM has launched yet another effort to promote Mission LiFE themes in the fishing community of Old Town in the District of Cuddalore. Cuddalore District is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is an important coastal district in the state. The district is one of the most productive fishing areas in Tamil Nadu, with a large fishing community. The district also has several tourist attractions for domestic tourists and people from all over India. The Cuddalore district has a coastal length of 58 kilometres and 49 fishing villages, with a total population of 47,000 marine fishermen. There are 23840 active fishermen among them, and almost 15000 fisherwomen are involved in fishing-related activities. There are 235 mechanised fishing boats and 2345 FRP boats, as well as 1906 non-motorised boats, operating in this district.

NCSCM scientists used this initiative to sensitise nearly 50 fishermen, dry fish godown owners, and ice plant owners about the themes of Mission LiFE and the importance of practicing responsible and environmentally friendly fishing, hygienic fish handling and processing, and energy and water conservation. These initiatives, including the retrieval and recycling of any abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), were emphasised since a single ALDFG can remain in the sea for up to 600 years before decomposing. Plastic contamination, particularly microplastics in the marine environment, as well as their bioaccumulation in the food chain, were highlighted by NCSCM experts. The fishermen were sensitised to practice waste segregation at home and on board while fishing. As part of the event, NCSCM staff explained to the fishing community the need for management strategies to control fishing-related litter (FRL), clean sea initiatives such as "fishing for litter" to encourage fishermen to bring back the FRL to shore-based reception facilities (RFs) and collecting end-of-life (EOL) fishing gear towards extended producer responsibility as a measure for the circular economy and to close the plastic loop in the marine environment. Further, NCSCM scientists emphasised that such actions can enhance the value chain of FRL, which serves as a source of income during the fishing ban period. Additionally, it was suggested that during the fishing ban, the fishing community can utilize value-added fish products for additional income and livelihood diversification. This event taught the fishermen in a simple manner about the sensitivity of the marine habitat, climate change, and the need to live in harmony with nature. At the harbour, LiFE themes were displayed through posters and pamphlets promoting sustainable, environmentally friendly lifestyles. By actively engaging in the Life pledge and signature campaign, the fishing community expressed their support for the LiFE mission.

13-Mar-2023: ‘LIFE’ - ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, key to combating climate change

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Government has started Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement with a view to sensitize all stakeholders, including the public at large, about the need for mindful utilization instead of mindless consumption of resources. A comprehensive and non-exhaustive list of 75 individual environment-friendly actions (LiFE actions) across 7 categories has been identified for nudging individuals, communities and institutions as a part of this movement.

In the written reply it was stated that the five elements enunciated by India at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 have been appropriately incorporated in enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under Paris Agreement and Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategies towards net zero emissions by 2070, in accordance with the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in light of National Circumstances.

The update to NDC submitted to UNFCCC in August 2022 includes India's commitment to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level; achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund; and put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.

The NDC update is a step towards achieving India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070; for which India has prepared and submitted a separate framework document titled ‘India’s Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategy’ to the secretariat of the UNFCCC in November 2022. India’s long term strategy rests on seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways including promotion on economy-wide decoupling of growth from emissions and development of an efficient, innovative low-emission industrial system.

It was also stated that Government of India has already taken a number of measures including the announcements in the Union Budget 2022-23 and 2023-24. Green economy is one of the top seven priorities (Saptarishi) of the Union Budget presented to the Parliament on Feb 1, 2023. The Union Budget provides for Rs. 35,000 crores for priority capital investments towards energy transition and net zero objectives, and energy security. The Budget pushes energy transition by encouraging domestic production of solar power equipment and batteries, in line with India's climate commitments.

2022

19-Nov-2022: India Pavilion takes Mission LiFE to the global audience

India hosted a pavilion with the theme of LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment at COP 27 at Sharm El Sheikh from 6th to 17th November 2022. The Pavilion had been designed to send out the message of LiFE through various audio-visuals, Logo, 3D models, set up, décor and side events.

Various side events were held during entire duration of COP 27 in the pavilion. The organizers of the side events included the Central Government Ministries, State Governments, PSUs, autonomous bodies /subordinate organizations, think tanks and UN Organizations.    49 side events that were organized at the pavilion out of which, 16 events were organized by the Central Government and 10 events were organized by the State Governments. The pavilion also witnessed 23 Private Sector events.

The pavilion was inaugurated on 6th November by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This was followed by an event organised by UNDP & UNICEF to distribute COP 27 Young Scholars Award.  This award was presented to four Young Scholars who were chosen after a rigorous process.  November 14th was dedicated to LiFE related events at the India Pavilion. Events were also organised that day to showcase and promote the involvement of Youth and Children in propagation of environment friendly and sustainable lifestyles.

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released India's Long term Low emission development Strategy (LT-LEDS) at the pavilion on 14th November. The Minister also launched LeadIT Summit Statement from the India Pavilion and released a compendium of LiFE “Prayas se Prabhav tak”. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ms. Leena Nandan also participated at side events at India Pavilion including a DST event on Technology Needs Assessment and TERI’s on Long Term Strategy on Adaptation & Adaptation Readiness event. The side events saw a participation of approximately 2000 participants over a period of 12 days.

The pavilion had a footfall of around 25,000 COP participants. India Pavilion enthused the visitors with the display of India’s achievements in Climate Change using technology along with a display on Indian culture, textile, and food. The Block Printing activity planned at the pavilion saw huge participation specially from the young participants at COP. The pavilion spread the message of Life through the displays, activities and distribution of LiFE badges and booklets to the visitors.

20-Oct-2022: PM & UNSG Launch Mission LiFE at Statue of Unity, Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), in the presence of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. First proposed by the Prime Minister at COP 26, Mission LiFE is envisioned as an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment.

The Prime Minister and UNSG unveiled the LiFE logo and tagline, and released the Mission Document at the event. Union Minister of External Affair Dr S. Jaishankar and Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel were also present at the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of unity in the fight against climate change. He pointed towards the prevailing notion that climate change is an issue related only to policy and highlighted that climate change goes beyond only government responsibility and needs contributions from individual, families and communities.

The Prime Minister underlined that Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute with their respective capacities.

The Prime Minister elaborated that Mission LiFE emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, i.e. Pro Planet People. It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’.

He also threw light on the concept of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ and circular economy and mentioned that it has been a part of the Indian lifestyle for thousands of years.

The Prime Minister noted that whenever India and the United Nations have worked together, new ways of making the world a better place have been found. He said, “India had proposed the International Day of Yoga, which was supported by the UN. Today it is inspiring millions of people around the world to lead a healthy life.” Giving the example of the International Year of Millets, the Prime Minister said that the International Year of Millets will be observed in 2023 and will become a global conversation. He added, “Mission LiFE can be successful only when it reaches every corner of the world. We have to remember this mantra—Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita—that is, those who protect nature, nature protects them. I believe we will build a better world by following Mission LiFE,” the PM concluded.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that in these perilous times for our planet, we need everyone’s support. “The LiFE initiative is designed to highlight essential and hopeful truths. All of us, individuals and communities, can and must be part of the solution of protecting our planet and our collective futures. After all, over-consumption is at the root of the triple planet emergency of climate, change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” he said. “I am immensely encouraged by the commitment that India has made to pursue environmentally sound policies and I look forward to working with India in driving this agenda forward,” he added.

France President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Mary Truss, Guyana President Irfan Ali, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadure Deuba, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and others have extended support to the movement.

As many as 500 people participated in the event, including 116 Indian Heads of Missions abroad, UN Heads of Agencies in India, Union Minister of External Affairs, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, senior government officials, development partners, and others.

NITI Aayog and MoEFCC, in collaboration with Government of Gujarat, organized the global launch of Mission LiFE.

NITI Aayog will curate and incubate Mission LiFE in the first year, and it will subsequently be implemented by MoEFCC. The mission is a 5-year programme.

About LiFE

The concept of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister at COP26 at Glasgow on 1 November 2021. On 5 June 2022, on World Environment Day, India furthered the vision of LiFE by launching the LiFE Global Movement, inviting academicians, researchers and start-ups across the world to think about specific and scientific ways in which the full potential of collective action can be harnessed to address the environment crisis. The movement received record support from global leaders.

Mission LiFE will action the ideas and ideals of LiFE through a mission-mode, scientific and measurable programme and demonstrate India’s commitment to walk the talk on climate change.

Mission LiFE is designed with the objective to mobilise at least one billion Indians and other global citizens to take individual and collective action for protecting and preserving the environment in the period 2022 to 2027. Within India, at least 80% of all villages and urban local bodies are aimed to become environment-friendly by 2028.

5-Jun-2022: PM launches global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment- LiFE Movement’

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment - LiFE Movement’ today via video conference. The launch will initiate ‘LiFE Global Call for Papers’ inviting ideas and suggestions from academics, universities & research institutions etc. to influence and persuade individuals, communities and organisations across the world to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that today is an apt day for the launch of the global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment - LiFE Movement’. He said we begin the LiFE  - Lifestyle For Environment Movement. He stressed the need of the hour to solve the challenge faced by our planet using human-centric, collective efforts and robust action that further sustainable development.

The Prime Minister reminded the gathering that this global initiative was proposed by him at COP26 last year. He added that 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”. Mission LiFE borrows from the past, operates in the present and focuses on the future. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are the concepts woven into our life. The Circular Economy has been an integral part of our culture and lifestyle.

The Prime Minister said that thanks to 1.3 billion Indians in the country he was able to do many good things for the environment in our country. He added that India’s forest cover is increasing and so is the population of lions, tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. He said that India’s commitment to reach 40% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources has been achieved, 9 years ahead of schedule. The target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol has been achieved 5 months ahead of the November 2022 target. This is a major accomplishment given that blending was hardly 1.5% in 2013-14 and 5% in 2019-20. He said renewable energy has a very high focus in the government. Way ahead, he said, is all about innovation and openness. When technology and tradition mix, the vision of life will be taken further.

The Prime Minister recalled that Mahatma Gandhi talked about a zero-carbon lifestyle. In our daily life choices, let us pick the most sustainable options, he said. He urged the gathering to follow the principle of reuse, reduce and recycle. Our planet is one but our efforts have to be many - One earth, many efforts. “India stands ready to support any effort for a better environment and to further global wellness. Our track record speaks for itself,” he concluded.

The programme also witnessed the participation of Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Lord Nicholas Stern, Climate Economist; Prof. Cass Sunstein, author of Nudge Theory; Mr. Aniruddha Dasgupta, CEO and President of World Resources Institute; Ms. Inger Andersen, UNEP Global Head; Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Global Head and Mr. David Malpass, World Bank President, among others. Union Minister, Shri Bhupendra Yadav, and CEO NITI Shri Amitabh Kanth were among those present on the occasion.

Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said that he was inspired by India's leadership and efforts to curb rising emissions. “I am excited to learn about the LiFE movement and its potential to draw in the full power of collective action. To eliminate greenhouse gases we need innovative technologies and participation from all. Ensuring that these innovative technologies are widely adopted will not only require large investments and partnerships between private and public sectors but also demands from individuals. Individual actions will send market signals that will encourage governments and businesses to invest in these innovations and create the breakthroughs we need”, he said. Mr. Gates said “I congratulate Prime Minister Modi for taking a lead on this global initiative of citizen action to promote pro-climate behaviours. Together we can build a green industrial revolution”. He continued “The necessity for collective global action to address climate change has never been greater and India’s role and leadership are crucial in ensuring that we reach our climate goals.”

Prof. Cass Sunstein, author of Nudge Theory said that India and the Prime Minister have been the world leaders with respect to environmental protection and climate change and human behaviour and ‘many of us are looking at India for inspiration and ideas. The Professor spoke about the EAST framework of behaviour change. EAST stands for  Easy, Attractive, Social and Timely. He added a new letter ‘F’ to the framework to make it FEAST. F is for Fun and he said that pro-environment activities are often fun and India has shown this in recent times.

Ms. Inger Andersen, UNEP Global Head also spoke on the occasion and welcomed the launch of LiFE by the Prime Minister. “With more than 1 billion people, and home to a thriving generation of innovation and entrepreneurship, India is central to global environmental action”, she said.

Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Global Head said that countries like India are serving as kinetic energy behind the decisive climate action on the world stage. That includes its work through cutting edge initiatives like International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and One Sun One World One Grid.

Mr. Aniruddha Dasgupta, CEO and President of World Resources Institute also thanked the Prime Minister for a much needed global movement and conversation on how we live, how we consume and how we take care of the planet.

Lord Nicholas Stern, Climate Economist recalled Prime Minister's landmark speech at CoP 26 at Glasgow to set out an inspiring vision of a new path of development. ‘It would be the development and growth story of the 21st century both in raising the living standards of the communities and saving the future of our future generations.

Mr. David Malpass, World Bank President recalled the words of Indian scriptures on the centrality of the environment in the Indian ethos. He remembered seeing this urgency while working with the Prime Minister on Civil Service capacity building in Gujarat in 2019. He also praised India’s local initiatives like POSHAN, ASHA, and Swachh Bharat people helping in financial inclusion and localising the initiative.

The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow last year. The idea promotes an environment-conscious lifestyle that focuses on 'mindful and deliberate utilisation' instead of 'mindless and destructive consumption.