Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater public participation in the fight against climate change, stating that the issue “cannot be fought from the conference table alone” and “must be fought from the dinner table in every home.”
At a World Bank-sponsored event titled “Making it Personal: How behavioural change can combat climate change,” he stated, “People all over the world hear a great deal about climate change. Many of them experience great anxiety because they do not know what to do.” In the majority of instances, he stated, individuals are led to believe that only governments or global institutions play a role. However, if the public discovers that they can contribute as well, their anxiety will be replaced by action.”
In order to elaborate on the collective movement, he also cited the Indian philosopher Chanakya. “When small droplets of water combine, they fill a pond. Similarly, knowledge and positive deeds accumulate over time.” Explaining the significance of the quote, Prime Minister Modi stated that a single good deed for the planet might seem insignificant, but when performed by billions of people around the world, the effect is enormous.
Referring to the Mission Life project, which he launched in conjunction with the United Nations last October, Modi stated that the programme aims to democratise the fight against climate change. “Under Mission Life, our efforts span many domains, including making local governments environmentally friendly, conserving water and energy, reducing waste and e-waste, adopting healthy lifestyles, adopting natural farming, and promoting millets,” said Modi.
He emphasised the importance of grassroots movements and behavioural change. “India demonstrates how to combat climate change. Whether it be Mission Life, the use of LED bulbs, micro irrigation, organic cultivation, or the promotion of millets,” he asserted.
-With inputs from PTI
