Dia Mirza advocates for mindful consumption in environmental conservation efforts

New Delhi: Dia Mirza, United Nations National Goodwill Ambassador, underlined the relevance of encouraging “mindful consumption” for environmental conservation and the significance of involving children and young to promote meaningful change in climate debates.

Speaking at the concluding day of the International Conference on Carbon Markets, “Prakriti 2025” here Dia Mirza said, “Big change will only occur when it starts from the top down because behaviours sometimes take hundreds of years to change.”

Sharing her vision for sustainability, Dia stated that  “My dream sustainability project, if finances didn’t have any upper limit, would be one, to eradicate each and every unit of single use plastics, and two, a scenario where every resource comes in the circular economy.”

She further added that, “As an individual, I have the capacity to change the way I live and hopefully thereby bring some change in the world. Big change will only occur when it starts from the top down because behaviours sometimes take hundreds of years to change.”

She also lauded Government’s initiatives under LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), highlighting its role in promoting mindful consumption and leading a global movement…emphasizing  the importance of engaging children and youth to drive meaningful change in climate conversations.”

Speaking at the event, Thomas Kerr, Lead Climate Change Specialist, World Bank said that the Indian Carbon Market does not operate in isolation, as global carbon pricing policies will influence India’s industries.

He highlighted the impact of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on Indian exports, particularly in steel, aluminium, and other high-emission industries, stating, “The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will impact Indian exports, particularly in steel, aluminium, and other high-emission industries.

“This calls for urgent action in domestic carbon markets.” Encouraging India’s active participation, he added, “If you build it, they will come” he added.

Ashok Lavasa, Former Finance Secretary highlighted the complexities of global carbon markets and the challenges India faces in developing a robust system.

Emphasizing key factors for success, he stated, “Strong MRV frameworks, fair benefit distribution, and strategic market alignment are crucial to India’s success in the carbon economy. International collaboration is necessary, but India must develop policies tailored to its own needs and challenges.”

The two-day conference was inaugurated by the power Minister Manohar Lal, witnessed robust participation from key Indian ministries, including , Financial Institutions, Corporates, International NGOs, PSUs.

As a flagship initiative of the central government organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, PRAKRITI 2025 served as a platform for in-depth discussions on global carbon market trends, challenges, and future pathways.

Approximately 80+ experts and 600+ delegates engaged in the conference’s discussion in the last two days, focusing on carbon market mechanisms, policy framework, climate finance and technologies.