Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Mov

Q. Why is this in News?

A. 

Recently, the Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy launched the Agni Tattva - Energy for LiFE campaign, to create awareness of the core concept of Agni Tattva, an element that is synonymous with energy and is amongst the five elements of Panchmahabhoot.

• The Panchmahabhoot comprises of Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu) and Aether/ Space (Aakash).

Q. What do we know about the Agni Tattva Campaign?

A. 

• It would provide a platform to deliberate upon the learning and experiences of subject experts and specialists and explore solutions for a sustainable future for all.
• Further, it will cover several important topics focusing on health, transport, consumption and production, security, environment, and spirituality.

Q. What do we know about Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement?

A. 

• About:
  • The idea of LiFE was introduced by India during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
    • The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption.
  • With the launch of the Mission, the prevalent "use-and-dispose" economy governed by mindlessand destructive consumption will be replaced by a circular economy, defined by conscious and deliberate consumption.
• Objective:
  • It seeks to leverage the strength of social networks to influence social norms surrounding climate.
  • The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3).
    • P3 will have a shared commitment to adopt and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.
    • Through the P3 community, the Mission seeks to create an ecosystem that will reinforce and enable environmentally friendly behaviours to be self-sustainable.

Q. What are India’s Achievements in Conserving the Environment?

A. 

• Increase in Forest Cover:
  • India’s forest cover is increasing and so is the population of lions, tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos.
    • The total forest cover is 21.71% of the total geographical area in 2021, compared with 21.67% in 2019 and 21.54% in 2017.
• Installed Electric Capacity:
  • India’s commitment to reach 40% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources has been achieved, 9 years ahead of schedule.
• Ethanol Blending Target:
  • The target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol has been achieved 5 months ahead of the November 2022 target.
  • This is a major accomplishment given that blending was hardly 1.5% in 2013-14 and 5% in 2019-20.
• Renewable Energy Target:
  • The country’s installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity stands at 150.54 GW (solar: 48.55 GW, wind: 40.03 GW, Small hydro Power: 4.83, Bio-power: 10.62, Large Hydro: 46.51 GW) as on 30th Nov. 2021 while its nuclear energy based installed electricity capacity stands at 6.78 GW.
    • According to REN21's Renewables 2022 Global Status Report (GSR 2022), India was rankedthird in wind power, fourth in solar power and third in renewable power installed capacity in 2021.

Q. What are the Other Related Initiatives?

A. 

• National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
• National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• National Biodiversity Action Plan
• Rural Livelihood Schemes: Recognition of natural resources intrinsically linked to rural livelihoods is also reflected in flagship schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).