New York: India urged at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ held here, practice of sustainable lifestyles is the effective way to meet the challenges posed by climate change. “There is a huge difference between idealistic schemes and practical ones, between expensive solutions and affordable ones, secretary in the Union environment ministry Leela Nandan said on implementing sustainable lifestyles to combat climate change challenges.
According to Nandan, discussions of climate change often revolve around the theme of reducing emission; however, the discussion needs to be widened to more accessible and common actions that could be taken up by individuals and communities. For her, sustainable lifestyles can collectively reduce energy and water usage, minimize waste, and help adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute significantly to mitigating climate change.
Appeal for Low-Cost Solutions
The Indian government claimed that viable, cost-effective and easily available solutions will be the cornerstones of initiatives worldwide to tackle the problem of climate change. Nandan said adequate efforts in reduction of emissions through only cuts will not encourage participation and result in failure of controlling climate risks.
This reflects a wider approach taken by the state in India to environmental issues, that is, an orientation around inclusiveness and practicality. Nandan underlined that ideas that are easily available or low-cost are more likely to mobilize a response; this indeed is necessary for an issue of such scale as the one at hand.
Impact of Sustainable Living at the Global Level
Using a report from the International Energy Agency, Nandan presented a convincing case about the impact that adoption of sustainable lifestyles might have. According to the IEA estimates, large-scale application of sustainable measures like energy conservation, water conservation, waste management, and responsible food systems will reduce 2 billion tons of global emissions annually up to 2030. Such measures would be a historic step towards curbing climate change’s ruthless strides, tackling some of its most pressing issues.
India Towards Sustainability
Another attempt at sustainability is from India’s role in international environmental forums and the steps taken domestically. Indeed, in the early this year, India successfully managed to pass its resolution on promoting sustainable lifestyles during the session of United Nations Environment Assembly UNEA held in Nairobi, Kenya. Such a move presents India as one of the most vigilant advocates in the sustainability movement.
Eco-Clubs and Education
At the grass-root level, India has started a number of programs that work towards raising environmental awareness. Nandan said that over a million schools in India have an eco-club educating students continuously on sustainable practices. Eco-clubs provide students with firsthand information and cultivate a sense of responsibility about the environment.
The thrust for eco-clubs is part of India’s strategy to build a future generation where sustainability would be top. Nandan has urged the state governments to give environmental education a place in their school curriculums and prepare the young generation for green jobs in emerging sectors like clean energy and biofuels.
Clean Energy and Job Creation
Aggressive targets for the clean energy sector by 2047 indicate the country expects to create 30 million to 35 million jobs. The country actively presides over initiatives like International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance, hinting that it would like to drive the transition to renewable energy.
Such efforts are in tune with Indian vision: to become a global hub for green innovation and employment, India focuses on education and technical training of its youth, to prepare them for sustainable employment in green industries.
Community-led Initiatives
India’s commitment to sustainability also finds its footing in its community-based programs. Nandan said, “The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2024 told the world’s citizens to take pro-planet actions and it began with an act as simple as planting a tree. In this period of three and a half months, 750 million saplings have been planted across India.
This community-led program reflects the Indian emphasis on collective action and grassroots participation in tackling climate change. Gains from the tree planting campaign demonstrate how civil mobilization can lead to tangible environmental benefits.
India Role in Global Sustainability Efforts
It is through such active engagement in the ‘Summit of the Future’ that India makes sure to be the world’s leading force in all sustainability endeavors. Through cost-effective solutions, India stands at the forefront to champion a sustainable lifestyle and help the rest of the world battle against climate change. India is working to build a much more sustainable future by implementing many national and international initiatives to deal with significant issues related to climate change.
Conclusion
India, at the ‘Summit of the Future,’ has a clear message: fight global climate change practically, inclusively and economically. Stepping toward sustainable lifestyle, promoting environmental education, and forging participation at a community level all help in building grassroots for a greener future. Leadership in clean energy and international coalitions drive global climate action and further cement India’s position globally.
Source
This is adapted from statements by Leela Nandan, Secretary, Union Environment Ministry, at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’.