AIR Spotlight: Discussion on Mission LIFE - A Global Mass Movement for Environment

Welcome to another enlightening segment of AIR Spotlight, a daily feature on All India Radio Newsonair. This show brings together a panel of distinguished individuals to shed light on crucial topics, providing invaluable insights for IAS aspirants and others alike.

Today's focus is on an important global initiative, Mission LIFE: a pioneering mass movement led by India to safeguard and nurture our environment.

Panellists:

1. Ashish Chaturvedi, Head of Environment, Energy and Resilience, UNDP India
2. Omvesh Upadhyay, AIR Correspondent

Background: The discussion revolves around India's green transition initiative, a key topic during the first G20 Development Working Group (DWG) meeting that took place in Mumbai in December 2022.

Overview:

• India has consistently championed the cause of sustainable living and brought the issue of climate change to the forefront at several international platforms.
• Mission LIFE, standing for Lifestyle for Environment, is one such initiative by India, promoting inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.
• This initiative was first unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP 26 in Glasgow and officially launched by the Prime Minister and UN Secretary-General António Guterres in October 2022.
• The primary goal of this initiative is to encourage people to adopt an environmentally-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
• Mission LIFE emphasizes the P3 model - Pro Planet People, underscoring the importance of a lifestyle that respects the planet, for the planet, and by the planet.
• Climate change and sustainable living are set to be key themes during India’s upcoming G20 presidency.
• The DWG meeting recognized Mission LIFE as a vital green development pact, aiming to merge development and climate concerns into a global movement.

What is Green Transition?

• Green transition is the process of moving from a development model based on carbon to one that prioritizes sustainability.
• Given the current global climate crisis, food shortage, and biodiversity loss, green transition is a critical step towards environmental preservation.

Turning India’s Mission LIFE into a Global Movement:

• The G20 DWG and G20 India are collaboratively creating an environment to implement Mission LIFE, aiming to bring all stakeholders on board.
• G20 India is emphasizing three core shifts for a global collective approach - reshaping demand, rethinking supply, and fostering a responsive ecosystem.
• Both G20 DWG and G20 India are working to build international consensus to drive collective action on the enablers of LiFE, including traditional knowledge systems & practices, technological innovation, behavioural change nudges, and policy & infrastructure solutions.

Learn more about the LiFE Movement

Adoptable Lifestyle Changes:

• Small changes in lifestyle, such as maintaining a uniform air conditioner temperature of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius or using energy-efficient vehicles in urban areas, can make a big difference.
• Higher-income groups, who contribute more to carbon emissions, should take the lead in adopting sustainable practices.
• As one's wealth increases, so does their carbon footprint. Therefore, wealthier individuals should bear a greater responsibility for sustainability.
• We must foster a positive relationship with nature, viewing forests as a resource that absorbs carbon dioxide and contributes to life, rather than a resource to be exploited.
• Technology, like energy-efficient LED bulbs, can aid in achieving sustainability.
• Traditional practices also offer valuable lessons. For example, the architectural design of Hawa Mahal in Jaipur utilizes natural breeze to cool its interior.
• A revolution in dryland agriculture is needed. Drought-resistant crops like millets, which are nutritious and water-efficient, could be a solution for regions like Africa.
• Initiatives like International Yoga Day have previously emphasized a lifestyle approach. Such collaborations between India and the United Nations have yielded significant results.