Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that sustainability is no longer a distant goal but an immediate and critical requirement for humanity’s survival. Speaking at the Green Sarathi Summit & Awards 2024, organized by the Indian Express group in New Delhi, he highlighted the pressing need for collective action, innovative solutions, and public participation to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Singh underlined the urgency of addressing climate change, resource depletion, and pollution, noting that these issues are interconnected with human health and global security. “Sustainability is not just an option but the only path forward to ensure a livable planet for future generations,” he stated. The Minister linked sustainability efforts to public health, pointing out the alarming rise in health conditions like diabetes caused by environmental factors such as pollution and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
He stressed that preserving biodiversity, reducing pollution, and restoring ecosystems are vital not only for environmental balance but also for safeguarding public health.
Government Initiatives for Sustainability
Dr. Singh detailed the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering green practices and combating climate change:
- Mission LiFE: Encourages individuals to adopt environmentally conscious habits.
- Green Credits Program: Rewards eco-friendly actions, incentivizing sustainable behavior.
- Climate Resilience Missions: Focuses on building infrastructure and strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He highlighted India’s leadership at COP29 in Baku, where the country demonstrated its commitment to disaster-resilient infrastructure as part of its climate adaptation strategies.
Role of Technology in Climate Action
Dr. Singh stressed the transformative role of science and technology in climate resilience and disaster preparedness. He called for leveraging:
- Digital Public Infrastructure: Initiatives like the Climate Stack to provide real-time, accurate data for climate management.
- Advanced Forecasting Systems: Tools for predicting extreme weather events like cyclones and floods, which are crucial for disaster mitigation.
- Sensor-Based Early Warning Systems: Technology to issue alerts and reduce risks associated with natural disasters.
The Minister praised the pioneering efforts of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences in integrating technology into sustainability efforts.
Call for Collective Action
Dr. Singh urged stakeholders—government bodies, private industries, civil society, and academia—to collaborate on innovative solutions. He emphasized that sustainability goals require a collective effort and cannot be achieved in isolation. “Every sector, every institution, and every individual must contribute,” he said, urging industries to invest in and support government initiatives.
Public Participation as a Driving Force
Citing the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Singh highlighted the power of public participation in influencing policies and creating systemic change. He encouraged citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and take ownership of the country’s green initiatives.