World

“In our LiFEtime” campaign launched by India at COP 27

The Ministry of Environment,  Forest and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), jointly launched the “In Our LiFEtime” campaign at a side event of the COP 27 in Egypt on 14th November 2022. The campaign aims to encourage youth between the age of 18 to 23 years to become message-bearers of sustainable lifestyles.

The concept of LiFE was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP 26 in Glasgow on 1st November 2021. Later, on the occasion of World Environment Day, on 5th June 2022, India furthered the vision of LiFE by launching the LiFE Global Movement. Recently, its logo and tagline was launched in Gujarat in the presence of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

LiFe envisions a circular economy, which is cultivated by mindful choices. It aims to develop a global network of individuals by nurturing “Pro Planet People” (P3). India has included LiFE in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to take climate-oriented actions.

Address by India’s Environment Minister:

Addressing the gathering at the time of the launch, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said, “One of the key stakeholders is the youth of today. Developing an understanding of the LiFE among the younger generations is essential for fostering responsible consumption patterns and influencing the lifestyle choices of the generations to come to make them Pro-Planet-People.”

The Union Minister further added that young people are adept at popularising new habits; embracing technologies and are best placed to contribute to the fight against climate change. The minister also motivated the youth to make low-carbon career choices and adopt such lifestyles as a part of their everyday life.

Support from Global Leaders:

Global leaders from all over the world have supported the campaign. Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed the need for positive change, individual actions and behaviours as a critical part of the climate solution.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss said, “ Mission LiFe is all about helping people make greener choices and live more sustainable lives. Let’s keep making these long-term choices, let’s keep leading the way and take another big step forward, together.”

Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth also extended his support by stating that “Policy reforms and economic initiatives are not enough to save our planet. Lifestyle changes at the individual level and behavioural changes at the community level are needed to reduce the strain on the environment.”

India aims for tangible climate outcomes:

The launched campaign gives a global call for ideas from youth across the world. The youth will be encouraged to submit their climate actions which are sustainable and scalable that can be shared globally.

The application closes on the next World Environment Day, i.e. 5th June 2023. The indicative themes for the submissions, include:

Sustainable Water Management

Waste Management

Energy Efficiency

Biodiversity Conservation

Sustainable Fashion

An Innovation Summit to promote the exchange and enhancement of ideas among students, colleges, and experts will also be facilitated by India at the United Nation’s  COP 28.

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