STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that “Green Sustainability” is no longer a distant goal but a critical necessity for tackling global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.
Speaking at the Green Sarathi Summit organized by the Indian Express Group, he emphasized that governments, industries, and individuals must urgently adopt sustainable practices to ensure a livable planet for future generations. Sustainability, he argued, is an imperative for survival and progress in an increasingly interconnected world.
Dr. Singh highlighted the crucial role of public participation in influencing policy decisions, pointing to the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic as a powerful example of societal change. When citizens take ownership of sustainability efforts, they help create pressure for more inclusive and effective policies. He called for collaboration among all stakeholders-government, academia, civil society, and industry-to devise innovative, widely accepted solutions for environmental challenges.
Drawing from his medical background, Dr. Singh linked environmental sustainability to public health. He warned that environmental degradation, including the destruction of carbon-absorbing ecosystems and increasing pollution, is contributing to rising health issues like diabetes. The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as pesticides, is harming insulin production and function. He stressed the importance of preserving biodiversity and reducing pollution not only for environmental reasons but also for the health of India’s growing population.
The Minister also discussed several government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, such as the “Mission LiFE” program, which encourages individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, and the Green Credits Program, which rewards sustainability efforts. He further highlighted India’s commitment to addressing climate change through national missions focused on climate resilience and strategic knowledge-sharing.
Dr. Singh emphasized the role of technology in managing climate change, particularly through digital infrastructure like the Climate Stack, which provides real-time data for climate management. He also highlighted the need for accurate weather forecasting systems to help India prepare for extreme climate events such as cyclones and floods.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh stressed the need for robust partnerships with the private sector, urging industries to invest in innovative solutions to complement government efforts. He concluded by reaffirming that achieving sustainability requires the collective efforts of every sector, individual, and institution, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a sustainable future through public participation, scientific innovation, and collaboration.