PM Modi says the vision of LiFE is to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are the concepts woven in our life and circular economy has been an integral part of our culture and lifestyle. Launching a global initiative Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement, on the occasion of World Environment Day on Sunday 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.

He said that the challenges of planet earth are well-known to all and the need of the hour is human-centric, collective efforts and robust action that further sustainable development.

He said, Mission LiFE borrows from the past, operates in the present and focuses on the future. He said, thanks to our 1.3 billion Indians, India has been able to do many good things for the environment in the country. Mr Modi said, the forest cover in the country is increasing and also the population of lions, tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. 

He said, India has achieved 10 per cent ethanol blending in petrol, five months ahead of the November 2022 target. The Prime Minister said, this is a major accomplishment given that blending was hardly 1.5 per cent in 2013-14. He said, India's commitment to reach 40 per cent of installed electric capacity from non-fossil -fuel based sources has been achieved, nine years ahead of schedule. 

Mr Modi said, Mahatma Gandhi talked about a zero-carbon lifestyle and in the daily life choices the most sustainable options should be picked. The Prime Minister said, our planet is one but our efforts have to be many.

The launch initiated ‘LiFE Global Call for Papers’ inviting ideas and suggestions from academics, universities and research institutions etc to influence and persuade individuals, communities and organisations across the world to adopt an environment conscious lifestyle.  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.

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.  

Mr Bill Gates said he is excited to learn about the LiFE movement and its potential to draw in the full power of collective action. Mr Gates congratulated Prime Minister Modi for taking a lead on this global initiative of citizen action to promote pro-climate behaviours. He said, 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 said that India and Prime Minister Modi 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.

Ms Inger Andersen also spoke on the occasion and said India is central to global environmental action.

Mr Achim Steiner said that countries like India are serving as kinetic energy behind the decisive climate action on the world stage.

Mr Aniruddha Dasgupta 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 recalled Prime Minister’s landmark speech at CoP 26 at Glasgow to set out an inspiring vision of a new path of development.

Mr David Malpass recalled the words of Indian scriptures on the centrality of the environment in the Indian ethos. He also praised India’s local initiatives like POSHAN, ASHA, and Swachh Bharat people helping in financial inclusion and localising the initiative.