Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that one of the most effective approaches to combat climate change is a behavioural change that must start at every home, bringing India's perspectives on "How Behavioural Change can Tackle Climate Change" to the forefront.
"Climate change cannot be fought from conference tables alone, it has to be fought from the dinner tables in every home. A concept becomes a mass movement when it spreads from conference rooms to kitchen tables. Giving the keynote lecture online at a LiFE programme titled "How Behavioural Change can Tackle Climate Change" at the World Bank, PM Modi stated that making every family and individual aware that their choices can benefit the earth can offer scale and speed. "Mission LIFE aims to make the fight against climate change more democratic. When people realise how powerful small actions in their daily lives can be, the environment would be greatly improved, Modi stated in his prepared remarks.
Global leaders gathered in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statements to push fresh perspectives, ideas, and solutions to the gravest problems facing the future of energy, the environment, and climate. He also praised the people of India for their efforts, mentioning instances of behaviour modification that had an impact.
"Indians have made significant progress in recent years. Even efforts are being made in various areas of India to balance the sex ratio. It was the people that organised a significant cleanup campaign for the roads, beaches, and reverse beaches. They are making sure there is no rubbish in public areas. And it was the people who made this transition to LED lights a success," the PM told the gathering, citing how carefully managing India's consumption patterns and using energy and resources had resulted in significant transformation.
"These initiatives will result in around 22 billion energy savings. Save 9 trillion gallons of water and 375 million tonnes of trash. By recycling roughly a million tonnes of electronic waste, you might save an additional $170 million in costs by 2030. Or it will enable us to lessen the 15 billion tonnes of food that are being wasted, said PM Modi.
In his speech, the PM stressed the need for behavioural change and disclosed that the World Bank Group wants to expand climate money from 26% to 35%.
The Prime Minister concluded, "As a percentage of total financing, this climate finance typically focuses on concern conventional aspects; adequate financing matters need to be worked out for behavioural initiatives to a show of support by the World Bank towards behavioural initiatives such as mission LiFE will have a multiplier effect.
Following the PM's speech, there was a panel discussion in which India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, also took part. She emphasised the administration's ongoing efforts to combat climate change.
David Malapass, the head of the World Bank, was also present. Great to learn about India's LiFE programme, which focuses on the interaction between communities and their environment, from @NarendraModi today, he said.
“Proper pricing policies and institutions combined with the right incentives can alter deeply entrenched habits and help protect the environment,” Malapass said.
