Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has extended the deadline for submissions to the Ideas4LiFE initiative from September 15, 2024, to October 15, 2024. Addressing the gathering at IIT Bombay, he emphasized that “Developed economies should also support developed ecologies. We must all nurture a strong environmental consciousness as responsible citizens.”
The Ideas4LiFE event, held in collaboration with the Maharashtra Environment Department, aims to inspire innovative environmental solutions and engage students, faculty, and researchers in promoting eco-friendly lifestyles. The initiative invites participation from educational institutions across India, including UGC, AICTE, IITs, and more. The recent event saw active involvement from 1,200 participants, including students, research scholars, and faculty from Mumbai’s academic institutions.
Minister Yadav also participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a sapling at IIT Bombay, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024.
During his speech, Yadav outlined the mission of Ideas4LiFE and stressed the importance of integrating ecological considerations into all aspects of life. He argued for a shift from a purely human-centric development model to one that values the harmonious coexistence of all living beings and the environment. He highlighted the negative impacts of development, such as rising temperatures and biodiversity loss, and the essential role of nature in providing critical resources like food, energy, and medicine. Yadav advocated for preserving one-third of the Earth’s surface for biodiversity, noting that approximately 50,000 species are used by humans.
He also discussed India’s environmental successes, including achieving renewable energy targets nine years ahead of schedule and launching the Soil Health Card initiative to reduce chemical use in agriculture.
Addressing the issue of global food waste, Yadav pointed out that 15 billion tonnes of food are discarded annually and called for increased education, innovation, and technological advancements to address this problem. He encouraged students to contribute ideas that promote environmental preservation and waste reduction, integrating ecological balance into development strategies.
The event was attended by notable figures including Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary of MoEF&CC; Pravin Darade, Principal Secretary (Environment) of the Government of Maharashtra; Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC; and Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, among others.
