India has emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyles as a key approach to combating climate change, advocating for affordable solutions to drive global success. Speaking at the UN’s “Summit of the Future” in New York, Leela Nandan, Union environment ministry secretary, highlighted the need to focus not only on emission reductions but also on offering practical, accessible actions to address environmental challenges.
Citing data from the International Energy Agency, Nandan noted that adopting energy-saving practices, reducing waste, and shifting to sustainable food systems could potentially lower global emissions by 2 billion tons annually by 2030. This, she said, would resolve many current climate issues.
India’s commitment to sustainability was further reinforced by its resolution on sustainable lifestyles, adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly earlier this year. Nandan also highlighted the role of over one million schools in India participating in eco-clubs to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable actions.
India’s clean energy sector could generate 30 to 35 million jobs by 2047, Nandan projected, stressing the need for technical education to prepare youth for green jobs. She also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which has already seen the planting of 750 million saplings across India in just three-and-a-half months.
The Summit of the Future brings together global leaders to tackle emerging challenges and strengthen international cooperation on climate and sustainability issues.
