“Mission LiFE borrows from the past, operates in the present and focuses on the
future” – PM Narendra Modi
LiFE is a global mass movement, the idea of – a lifestyle for the environment introduced by our honourable Prime minister Narendra Modi building a sustainable future to promote environment-friendly behaviours among individuals during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in Glasgow in 2021.
Before digging into the necessity of adopting a change in lifestyle let us understand the persistent threat if we do not. The realities of climate change as posed by NASA and many other environmentalists are often taken lightly. Thus, we should see some facts and decide for ourselves.
First, Prior to the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels were consistently around 280 ppm for almost 6,000 years of human civilization. Since then, humans have generated an estimated 1.5 trillion tons i.e., 417ppm – almost a 50% increase in CO2 emissions from the pre-industrial level, which will continue to warm the atmosphere for thousands of years. In simpler words even if we stop the emissions i.e., net zero today as on 5th February 2023, it would take thousands of years for atmospheric CO2 to return to “pre-industrial” levels thus global temperatures could continue to rise after thousands of years of stopping emissions altogether.
Secondly, the impact of this global temperature rise would make the Sea level continue to rise for many centuries even after global emissions stopped increasing. Predicted Global Sea level rise by 2100-between 2-6 feet. Currently, the Sea level rise is 102.5 mm since 1993.
Thirdly, the Global economy lose up to 18% of its GDP by 2050, if no climate action is taken. Factual data can still be a little less trustable for some of us, let us try to remember some past experiences which we might have forgotten. According to a study, April 2022, was the hottest April month in India in the last 122 years. Every year our neighbouring states deal with the condition of floods. According to a report, without urgent action, cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai may be completely submerged underwater by 2050. When India is aiming at becoming the Global solar energy leader, Air pollution alone is reducing solar power generation by 29%, entailing economic loss of approx. 70 billion annually. According to AQ Index 2021, India holds the 5th spot among the world’s most polluted countries.
Our individual behaviour significantly impacts climate change. So, here is what we can do to help build a sustainable future for generations to come. Adopt simple lifestyle changes:
A. Carry a cloth bag while shopping
B. Don’t let the taps run while brushing or handwashing
C. Turn off electric appliances from the source
D. Set your default setting to both -side printing on your printer
E. Set AC default to 24 degrees Celsius
F. Use public transport/ carpool to commute
G. Finish your food on your plate
What impact these actions will create?
- If only 13% of the global population adopts lifestyle change, it can result in a 20% emission reduction
- Wasted food by 1 person can feed 3 people annually
- Fuel wastage in 30 min. of red-light idling can provide up to 6 hours of electricity to a school student Transitioning from throw-away culture to a circular economy is the need of the Hour.
We as responsible citizens of the planet Earth must understand that Change is the only constant. Change is urgent, change is inevitable. You, I, our families, friends, societies, and cultures need to change–from the individual to the societal level.
Sources:
1. climate.nasa.gov/vitalsigns
2. www.mygov.in
3. https://www.deccanherald.com/
4. https://www.wto.org
5. https://www.iqair.com/in-en/india
By Priyanka Yadav. The writer is an Environmentalist and qualified UGC NET.