Created by the United Nations Assembly in 1972, World Environment Day is a global occasion held every year on June 5th. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about environmental protection. Celebrated with a new theme and slogan each year, the event addresses the most pressing environmental concerns of the time and is hosted by a different country annually. For instance, in 2018, India hosted the 45th World Environment Day under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
The last World Environment Day marked the commencement of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a global mission committed to reviving ecosystems, spanning forests, farmlands, mountain tops, and oceans. In 2022, the theme will be OnlyOneEarth, reflecting the theme from the first World Environment Day in 1973.
The Launch of the LiFE Movement
During the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, India introduced the concept of LiFE, or Lifestyle for the Environment. The LiFE movement encourages an environmentally conscious lifestyle marked by ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’. It aims to replace the existing ‘use-and-dispose’ mentality with a circular economy founded on conscious consumption.
The mission’s primary objective is to use the power of collective action to guide individuals worldwide towards adopting simple, climate-friendly practices in their daily lives. It also seeks to create a global network of ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3), who are committed to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
India’s Environmental Conservation Achievements
India has made significant advances in environmental conservation. The country’s forest cover, as well as the population of lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, and rhinos, is increasing steadily. In 2021, 21.71% of the total geographical area was forested, up from 21.67% in 2019 and 21.54% in 2017.
In terms of energy, India achieved its commitment to get 40% of its installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources 9 years ahead of schedule. Notably, the country achieved its target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol 5 months before the November 2022 deadline. Moreover, India ranks fourth worldwide for its wind power capacity.
Other Environmental Initiatives in India
India has undertaken a variety of other initiatives to conserve the environment. The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) concentrates on rehabilitating degraded forests and afforestation. The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is a strategy aimed at increasing tree cover to combat and adapt to climate change.
The National Biodiversity Action Plan has been initiated to reduce the rate of degradation and loss of natural habitats. Additionally, the recognition of natural resources as intrinsically linked to rural livelihoods is reflected in schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
