New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) in the presence of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Kevadia.
Explaining the theme of Mission LiFE, PM Modi said, "It is a lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet." "The issue of Climate change is being witnessed everywhere, our glaciers are melting, rivers are drying up... Mission LIFE will help in fighting climate crisis," he emphasised.
"A perception was created that climate change is merely a policy-related issue and that either governments or international institutions will take steps regarding it. But now, people are feeling the effects of climate change," he added, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Citing daily practices that have an environmental impact, PM Modi further asserted, "some people prefer dropping AC temperatures to 17 degrees, this creates a negative impact on the environment. Use cycles while going to gyms, doing our bit to change our lifestyles can be of help to the environment."
He highlighted that "reuse, reduce, and recycle" are part of India's traditions and culture. "We need to bring back these practices and work towards making sustainable choices," the Prime Minister said.
He concluded his address by quoting "Prakriti rakshati rakshita", meaning Nature protects those who protect it.
Developed Countries Must Follow Through On Their Commitments: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his, address quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said, "World has enough to meet everyone's needs but not greed... unfortunately in recent times greed is prevailing over need and we need to reverse it."
At the global launch of 'Mission Life' in Gujarat, he emphasised that "individuals and communities can and must be a part of the solution of protecting our planet and our collective future."
"G20 countries account for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions but it also represents 80% of global GDP. G20 combined as resources, they have the power to end the war against nature and set us on course towards sustainable living," the United Nations Chief mentioned.
He stressed, "developed countries must follow through on their commitments to provide meaningful financial and technological support to countries like India throughout this transition. We need to unleash a renewables revolution and look forward to working with India on this."
Excessive consumption cause of three-fold planetary emergency of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the UN chief said.
Guterres mentioned that in a few weeks, world leaders will meet for COP 27 in Egypt which will present a key political opportunity to renew trust and accelerate actions on all pillars of the Paris climate agreement.
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France To Work With India To Make Mission LiFe A Success: President Emmanuel Macron
Several world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Liz Truss, Georgia PM Irakli Garibashvili, Estonia PM Kaja Kallas, and Madagascar President Rajoelina sent video messages for the global launch.
"France looks forward to working with India to make this initiative a success including in the perspective of the Indian presidency of G20 next year," Macron said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
"At a time when our world is subject to increasing geopolitical tensions, we've to choose cooperation as no one can address global challenges, especially climate change alone," he asserted.
UK PM Liz Truss, in her video messaged, said: "As democracies, we must work together to secure energy independence and protect economies. We're investing with partners like India to develop vital climate infra. I commend India's leadership in launching Mission Life, let's keep leading the way."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General.
About Mission LiFE
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Mission LiFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment.
"Mission LiFE aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing our collective approach towards sustainability. First is by nudging individuals to practise simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand); second is by enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply) and; third is to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy)," the statement read.
PM Modi's Two-Day Gujarat Visit
Prime Minister Modi began his two-day visit to Gujarat on Wednesday with a roadshow in Rajkot. He laid the foundation stone of a new IAF base In Gujarat's Deesa at the inauguration ceremony of Defence Expo 2022.
Today, the Prime Minister will participate in the 10th Heads of Missions Conference by the Ministry of External Affairs. As per the PMO, the Conference will bring together 118 Heads of Indian Missions (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) from all over the world. "Through its 23 sessions spread over three days, the Conference will provide an opportunity to have detailed internal discussions on issues such as the contemporary geo-political and geo-economic environment, connectivity, India’s foreign policy priorities, etc," the PMO stated.
Later in the day, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs. 1970 crore in Vyara, Tapi. He will lay the foundation stone for the improvement of the road from Saputara to the Statue of Unity along with the construction of missing links. Other projects whose foundation stone will be laid include water supply projects worth over Rs 300 crore in Tapi and Narmada districts, the PMO statement mentioned.