Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the global Mission LiFE in Gujarat on Thursday. He was joined by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day India visit.
Mission LiFE is an India-led global mass movement toward protecting and preserving the environment as the world faces the effect of climate change in many places.
“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,” Modi at the global launch. The launch comes ahead of next month's mega UN climate meet in Egypt. The action plan— a list of ideas on lifestyle changes that can be taken up as climate-friendly behaviour - along with the logo and tagline for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) were jointly launched by Modi and Guterres.
Speaking about lifestyle changes to fight climate change, Modi urged everyone to take small steps to save the environment. "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 said. The PM also stressed on the need to reduce, reuse and recycle, adding that these were ingrained in India's traditions.
Guterres said developed countries need to stick to their commitments and support India on this global mission.
Many world leaders also shared messages of support for India. French president Emmanuel Macron said: “At a time when our world is subject to geopolitical tensions, we have no choice but to choose cooperation over division...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.”
“Prime Minister Modi's Mission LiFE could not have come at a more crucial juncture,” Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sid in a message.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss stressed on the need for democracies to work together for energy independence. “As democracies, we must work together to secure energy independence and protect our economies. We are investing with partners like India to help build vital climate infrastructure,” she said.
