QUE : Discuss in detail the need, objectives and approach of the recently discussed LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission in the context of India.

The mantra of LIFE Mission was uttered to the world by the Indian Prime Minister at the Glasgow Summit of COP-26. Its main objective was to bring individual behaviors to the forefront of the global climate action narrative.

                LIFE Vision: LIFE Mission inspires to live a lifestyle that is compatible with and does not harm our precious Earth. Mission LIFE promotes the concept of “Pro-Planet People”.

•  Need for LIFE Mission

• Environmental degradation and climate change are global phenomena, where actions taken in one part of the world affect ecosystems and populations all over the world.
  
•  Several macro measures have been implemented globally to address climate change, including policy reforms, economic incentives and regulations, in the last two decades.
  
• India and other developing countries need to strike a balance between environment and development.
  
• Despite the need for such a lifestyle, limited attention has been paid to the necessary actions at the individual, community and institutional levels.
  
•  Changing individual and community behavior alone can significantly reduce environmental and climate crises, as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimates that if just 1 billion people out of the global population of 3 billion adopted an environmentally friendly lifestyle, global carbon emissions could be reduced by about 20%.
  
• LIFE Mission Approach
  

• Focus on individual behavior.
  
•  Co-create globally
  
•  Leverage everyday household practices from diverse cultures around the world.
  
•  LIFE Mission Objectives and India’s Role

•  LIFE’s idea is to promote environmentally conscious lifestyles, focusing on mindful and intentional consumption rather than reckless and destructive consumption.
  
•  LIFE Mission is a global initiative to ensure sustainable human lifestyles and protect the planet.
  
•  The principle of LIFE is a link connecting past—present—future. LIFE prioritizes sustainable development by using the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R).
  
• India has launched initiatives like Ujala, FAME India, International Solar Alliance, Panchamrut (Paris Agreement), CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), National Hydrogen Mission, Zero Carbon-Footprint to support the principle of LIFE, so that climate change can be prevented.
  
•  The launch of Mission LIFE in Gujarat is significant, as it was the first state in the country to initiate effective steps towards renewable energy and environmental protection.

                           Thus, through such a mission, the nation will be able to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and also make a significant contribution to the environmental contribution at the international level by bringing about a positive change in the attitude of the common man.