Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

At the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced "Mission LiFE" (Lifestyle for Environment) in the presence of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

About

• A new movement for sustainable and healthy living is called Mission LiFE.
• Mission LiFE will make the battle against climate change democratic with the help of each individual.
• It will assist in addressing the world's and humanity's main challenges, which include climate change and global warming.
• At the occasion, Mr. Guterres introduced the LiFE logo, tagline, and the Mission Document.

The LiFE Mission's Importance

• Effort fine-tuning: It will aid in coordination with policies like the construction of solar power plants, the mounting of solar panels on canals, and water conservation in drought-prone areas.
• Disaster management: It will make it possible to combat environmental tragedies and disasters and establish national and international trends for sustainable development.
• A global initiative: India will support the worldwide effort to combat climate change and advance a sustainable way of life in order to meet the U.N. sustainable development objectives by 2030.
• Pro Planet People: As it is founded on the fundamental tenets of "Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet," it encourages the spirit of the P3 model, i.e. Pro Planet People.
• India and the UN have partnered on this new effort, which will be a success on a global scale.
• For instance, the UN is encouraging people all around the world to live healthy lifestyles by supporting India's planned International Day of Yoga.
• Harmony with nature: It will include all ways of living that our predecessors used to conserve the environment and nature and that are still a part of our way of life now.
• Battle Climate Change: To safeguard the environment, the earth, and humanity from climate-related disasters and extreme weather calamities, the fight against climate change requires broader support (individuals, the family, the community).
• A circular economy: The LiFE Mission promotes the 'Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle' philosophy, which will aid in achieving harmony between development, economic growth, and sustainability.
• Net zero carbon footprint: This will assist India and many other nations in achieving their net zero carbon footprint objectives.

India’s Position in Climate Change Efforts

National Action Plan on Climate Change: India has been committed to tackle the menace of climate change with an emphasis on renewable energy. Example, the launch of the NAPCC in 2008.

• National Solar Mission (NSM)
• National Water Mission (NWM)
• National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH)
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
• Green India Mission (GIM)
• National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change (NMSKCC)

Carbon Footprint of India:

• Compared to the global average of 4 tonnes per year, India's yearly per capita carbon footprint is only 1.5 tonnes.

• India is ranked fourth in wind energy and fifth in solar energy for its performance in the field of renewable energy.

• In the previous 7-8 years, India's capacity for renewable energy has expanded by roughly 290%.
• Additionally, India has met its goal of getting 40% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources nine years early.
• Through the National Hydrogen Mission, India has made progress toward a sustainable energy source.

International Solar Alliance:

• The UN Secretary General has praised India for spearheading the alliance's concept and for implementing environmentally friendly policies to advance renewable energy and cut back on the use of fossil fuels.
• The National Year of Millets is observed in 2018 long before the International Year of Millets, which will be recognised in 2023 and spark a global discussion.
• Gujarat was the first state in India to start taking steps to adopt renewable energy sources and protect the environment.
• The entire village of Modhera Sun Temple, which is close to Ahmedabad, depends on solar power generated by panels erected on the roofs of homes, government buildings, and the temple's campus.

Way Forward

• India and the rest of the globe must work together to advance the goal of starting the renewable revolution.
• Overconsumption needs to be controlled because it is the cause of the triple world emergency of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
• The triple bottom line strategy must be adopted by all nations and international organisations in order to achieve effective environmental governance in the twenty-first century.
• The LiFE Mission and this strategy will make it possible to balance the interests of people (development), the planet (sustainability), and profit (economic growth).
• Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita: Those who safeguard the environment are safeguarded by it.

Read Also: Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)