“Inclusion of sustainable lifestyle is the most significant for us. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has made the pitch for an environmentally-friendly lifestyle through his mantra of Mission LiFE (lifestyle for environment) and the world today moved in that direction by including it in the implementation plan to address climate change,” environment minister Bhupender Yadav told TOI after conclusion of the climate talks.
The cover decision of the COP27 noted the importance of transition to sustainable lifestyles and sustainable patterns of consumption and production for efforts to address climate change. It also noted the importance of pursuing an approach to education that promotes a shift in lifestyles while fostering patterns of development and sustainability based on care, community and cooperation.
“Despite the many differences and individual concerns, the countries showed remarkable seriousness in trying to make significant headway on all issues that impact the fight against climate change,” said the minister while referring to the gruelling rounds of negotiation at the COP27.
Asked about agreement on the loss and damage fund, Yadav who led India’s negotiating team said, “We all have waited far too long for this. The consensus over this was reached after untiring efforts from one and all. We welcome this move.”
Though the rich nations had been asking to expand the donor base of the loss and damage fund by including big economies like India and China as contributors, India during the discussions made its stand clear that though the country has voluntarily been doing its bit to help vulnerable countries through different mechanism, it won’t be mandatorily contributing to the proposed fund. The developed countries had also been pitching for the fund being used exclusively by only vulnerable countries among the developing ones.
On the question whether India would be one of the beneficiaries of the fund as it’s primarily meant for most vulnerable countries, Yadav argued that India too has many vulnerable areas. “Of course, the priority will be given to least developed countries and small island nations. But our vulnerable areas (such as Lakshadweep, Sundarban etc.) too will benefit from such funds,” he said.
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