PM Modi & UN chief launch Mission LiFE to fight climate change, World leaders hail move

Congratulatory messages from world leaders poured in, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday launched Mission LiFE, a global plan of action aimed at saving the planet from the disastrous consequences of climate change.

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 at Kevadia in Gujarat. The launch comes ahead of next month’s mega UN climate meet in Egypt.

Envisaged by PM Modi, Mission LIFE is expected to be an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment,

It will be India’s signature initiative at the United Nations and other international platforms for showcasing climate action and early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

PM Modi said Mission LiFE will strengthen the concept of a pro-people planet, adding it aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing people’s collective approach towards sustainability.

This includes nudging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives, enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand, and to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production.

World leaders hail launch

France, the UK, Argentina, Georgia, Guyana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Estonia, Nepal and the Maldives on Thursday sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the launch of Mission LiFE movement.

France President Emmanuel Macron said,  “I wish I could be with you in Kevadia at this very special moment. 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.”

British PM Elizabeth Truss said,  “We are investing with partners like India to help build vital climate infrastructure. Let’s keep making those long-term choices, let’s keep leading the way. In November last year, the world came together in the UK to sign the Glassgow Climate Pact. It was a landmark deal…As democracies, we must work together to secure energy independence and protect our economies.”

Argentina President Alberto Fernandez said, “I am here in Buenos Aires but I did not want to be absent from this event of PM Modi. The world is experiencing unusual times which are marked not only by a pandemic but also by profound inequality…. That’s why I think the initiative, LiFE, can be very helpful for us to find a way because one of the ways is to ensure that governments and civil society achieve the necessary consensus so that we can slowly come out of the crisis.

Kaja Kallas, Estonia Prime Minister: “The power of change lies in working together towards a common goal and engaging all the people. India has been very active in World Clean Up day… I am glad that climate action is one of India’s G-10 presidency priority and I wish you a successful presidency.

Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia Prime Minister: “Georgia welcomes and fully supports this global initiative, timely introduced by PM Modi which promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on the principle of mindful & deliberate utilisations.”

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldives President said, “Prime Minister Modi’s Mission LiFE could not have come at a more crucial juncture… This ambitious initiative is a call for action. Let’s not end it there.

Pravind Jugnauth, Mauritius PM: “Policy reforms and economic initiatives are not enough to save our planet… I, therefore, strongly support the movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to build on good practices on the level of individuals, communities and institutions in order to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, Nepal PM: “ This is a pioneering movement that can help fight climate change. I thank you for giving Nepal the opportunity to extend our support to the movement.”

Irfaan Ali, Guyana President, “Our planet is under threat. Overall, 70% of forest land is substantially degraded. Collective action is needed to protect the planet. I wish to extend best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the launching of the Mission LiFE logo and mission document which seeks to mobilise 1 billion people of India to become pro-planet people by 2027. Congratulations India for taking the lead.

Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar President: “I am convinced that LiFE could become one of the turning points in our fight against climate crisis. I thank India through its Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is an inspiring leader in the environmental protection, for bringing us together around this cause. It is with hope and conviction that I join you in this mission.”