PM Modi to lunch global initiative ‘LiFE Movement’ on World Environment Day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement’ on World Environment Day (June 5th) through video conferencing.

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 utilization’ instead of ‘mindless and destructive consumption,” said the statement.

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

During the National Statement at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister had said “The world today admits that lifestyle has a major role in climate change. I propose a one-word movement before all of you. This word is LIFE which means Lifestyle for Environment.

“Lifestyle For Environment is inspired by Indian culture, Gandhi’s teachings and the prime minister’s own life to ensure peaceful existence with nature. Just like other mass movements inspired by the prime minister, this urges mindful and deliberate utilisation instead of mindless and destructive consumption” he said .

Modi also asserted that India is the only country that is delivering in “letter and spirit” the commitments to tackling climate change under the Paris Agreement.

He said India will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW and also meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.

The programme will also witness the participation of  Bill Gates, Co-Chairman Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Lord Nicholas Stern, Climate Economist; Prof. Cass Sunstein, Author of Nudge Theory;  Aniruddha Dasgupta, CEO and President World Resources Institute;   Inger Andersen, UNEP Global Head;  Achim Steiner, UNDP Global Head and  David Malpass, World Bank President, among others.