“The LiFE initiative is not confined to the boundaries of any one nation. It is a global movement, reminding us that the fate of our planet is inseparably linked to the choices we make every day. Let us be the guardians of our environment and the torchbearers of a sustainable legacy and regenerative future. Together, we can turn the tide towards a world where life thrives, and our planet flourishes,” the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House said.
Harivansh was delivering the concluding remarks at the Parliamentary Forum on LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as part of the P20 Forum.
The event was moderated by G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant with inaugural remarks by Speaker Om Birla. 13 Speakers from various nations participated in the discussion.
Mission LiFE is one of the flagship initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mission LiFE seeks to channel the efforts of individuals and communities into a global mass movement of positive behaviour change to combat the effects of climate change.
In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh said that the concept of Lifestyle for the Environment (LIFE) was first introduced by India at COP26 in Glasgow (H) in 2021, calling upon the global community to make LIFE an international mass movement, towards “mindful and deliberate utilisation instead of mindless and destructive consumption” of our natural resources.
“Allow me to remind you that this is exactly what our ‘Father of Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi had warned us a long time ago through his famous words -‘The Earth has enough resources for our need but not for our greed’. These words ring true today when we find the world battling with the adverse implications of climate change and environmental degradation,” he said.
He further said that Mission LIFE seeks to channel the efforts of individuals and communities into a global mass movement of positive behavioural change.
Harivansh added that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made concerted efforts to combat the ill effects of Climate Change.
“In his words, I quote–“Mission LIFE connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth and teaches them to utilize it in a better way. Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic in which everyone can contribute according to his or her cap quote Mission LiFE believes that even small efforts can have a huge impact. Mission LiFE inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday lives to protect the environment. Mission LIFE believes that the environment can be protected by changing our lifestyle,” the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha said.
He also said that collectively and individually, therefore, people need to be mindful of the fact that every small action counts and every individual matters in our fight against the challenges of climate change.
Harivansh further said that while the Executive has its task cut out for combating climate change, the role of Parliament is also central to any successful strategy to tackle it.
“The G20 Parliamentary Forum, uniting representatives from different Parliaments holds immense potential to deepen parliamentary cooperation to address this global issue,” he added
Dy Chairman Rajya Sabha added that together, legislative frameworks that support climate mitigation and adaptation, ensuring that the world is on the path of a sustainable future can be shaped.
“As Speaker of the Lok Sabha has already said before, Indian Parliament, through both Houses, has been at the forefront of articulating the climate change concerns, and also examining and shaping the energy transition, energy security and environment-friendly technology,” he said, adding that the President of IPU Duarte Pacheco underlined that Parliament must also focus on administrative reforms towards sustainable practices.
He further said that while the ideas expressed by Speakers were distinct to their respective regions, these ideas firmly display the common resolve to preserve our environment through behavioural changes at an individual and community level.
This is the first of the three-day event being hosted by India at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Delhi. The main P20 summit will commence on October 13-14. (ANI)
