The India Pavilion at the two-week long UN climate change talks or COP25, which began in the Spanish capital Madrid on Monday in the backdrop of climate impacts biting globally, has a special focus on “sustainable lifestyles” as a solution to climate change.
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian pavilion features the humble ‘charkha’ or the spinning wheel, which is the physical embodiment of the Gandhian principles of perseverance, self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Delegates and participants representing 197 countries at the 25th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or COP25 are invited to try their hand at spinning the fabric of sustainability at the India Pavilion, an official statement said here.
Gandhi had warned: “A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary, but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of a help. Therefore, the ideal of creating an unlimited number of wants and satisfying them seems to be a delusion and a snare.”
India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) has a separate goal on lifestyles to put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation.
Spinning the charkha is a symbolic act that provides an opportunity for delegates and participants at COP25 to step back and reflect on their consumption choices and be reminded of the ancient wisdom of need-based consumption that motivates to draw less from nature and replenish more.
Climate change should be seen as an “opportunity” rather than a “threat” for adopting a sustainable growth pathway, undertaking poverty alleviation measures and attracting investment.
According to the UN, a key objective of COP25 is to raise overall ambition also by completing several key aspects with respect to the full operationalisation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
India will look to engage in negotiations with a constructive and positive outlook and work towards protecting its long-term development interests.
The Indian delegation will be led by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who will be landing in Madrid on December 7.
By IANS, 15 hours ago, TWC India
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