Global climate progress can't come from endless discussions alone. For too long, the world has been caught in a cycle of negotiations, while the planet's distress signal grows louder. While dialogue is important, action is imperative.
India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) revives time-honoured conservation practices, from Tamil Nadu's eri tank systems to Rajasthan's johads, reframing them as conscious acts of planetary service. According to an IEA report, global adoption of LiFE-related measures could reduce annual global CO2 emissions by over 2 bn tonnes by 2030, nearly a fifth of the total reduction needed to achieve net-zero.
Mission LiFE recognises that the choices we make, and how we consume, grow and coexist, are not isolated acts but threads in a shared ecological destiny. Recognising its potential, GoI has integrated Mission LiFE into National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), making lifestyle-based climate action a structural pillar of India's environmental governance framework.
This synergy between personal action and public policy is evident in PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, through which 1 cr households are empowered to instal rooftop solar systems, turning energy consumers into producers. In just over a year since its launch in February 2024, the programme has received nearly 58 lakh applications and added 4.9 GW of rooftop solar capacity.
Clean-tech is no longer just an aspirational goal but a growing reality. India has raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, achieving its revised NDC target five years ahead of schedule. This progress is exemplified by its solar revolution: installed capacity has increased 45x from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025. These milestones reflect how clean technologies are not only driving India's energy transition but also reshaping its economic and environmental narrative.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, afforestation is another arena of India's green progress. In this context, the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' scheme is Mission LiFE in action. What began as an appeal is now the world's largest grassroots climate movement. Within 5 months since 'Ek Ped...' was inaugurated in June 2024, over 100 cr trees were planted. Today, that figure exceeds 250 cr.
A mature tree absorbs around 25 kg of CO2 annually, producing enough oxygen for two people. Every sapling planted contributes to India's NDCs under the Paris Agreement. While the prevailing model of climate finance is slow and centralised, India offers a different path: a decentralised, people-driven model that is swift and self-sustaining. Over 14.7 lakh schools have joined the initiative via eco clubs under Mission LiFE. Through 'Ek Ped... 2.0', GoI has integrated geotagging for real-time monitoring. The initiative is now targeting 10 cr additional plantings, with the armed forces also having pledged to plant 15 lakh trees.
When we plant a sapling, we plant hope. That is India's message: real sustainability begins not with negotiations but with nurturing.
India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) revives time-honoured conservation practices, from Tamil Nadu's eri tank systems to Rajasthan's johads, reframing them as conscious acts of planetary service. According to an IEA report, global adoption of LiFE-related measures could reduce annual global CO2 emissions by over 2 bn tonnes by 2030, nearly a fifth of the total reduction needed to achieve net-zero.
Mission LiFE recognises that the choices we make, and how we consume, grow and coexist, are not isolated acts but threads in a shared ecological destiny. Recognising its potential, GoI has integrated Mission LiFE into National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), making lifestyle-based climate action a structural pillar of India's environmental governance framework.
This synergy between personal action and public policy is evident in PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, through which 1 cr households are empowered to instal rooftop solar systems, turning energy consumers into producers. In just over a year since its launch in February 2024, the programme has received nearly 58 lakh applications and added 4.9 GW of rooftop solar capacity.
Clean-tech is no longer just an aspirational goal but a growing reality. India has raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, achieving its revised NDC target five years ahead of schedule. This progress is exemplified by its solar revolution: installed capacity has increased 45x from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025. These milestones reflect how clean technologies are not only driving India's energy transition but also reshaping its economic and environmental narrative.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, afforestation is another arena of India's green progress. In this context, the 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' scheme is Mission LiFE in action. What began as an appeal is now the world's largest grassroots climate movement. Within 5 months since 'Ek Ped...' was inaugurated in June 2024, over 100 cr trees were planted. Today, that figure exceeds 250 cr.
A mature tree absorbs around 25 kg of CO2 annually, producing enough oxygen for two people. Every sapling planted contributes to India's NDCs under the Paris Agreement. While the prevailing model of climate finance is slow and centralised, India offers a different path: a decentralised, people-driven model that is swift and self-sustaining. Over 14.7 lakh schools have joined the initiative via eco clubs under Mission LiFE. Through 'Ek Ped... 2.0', GoI has integrated geotagging for real-time monitoring. The initiative is now targeting 10 cr additional plantings, with the armed forces also having pledged to plant 15 lakh trees.
When we plant a sapling, we plant hope. That is India's message: real sustainability begins not with negotiations but with nurturing.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
Bhupender Yadav
The writer is minister of environment, forest and climate change, GoI