India will ensure peoples' participation in mitigating climate change, union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Wednesday, adding that the prime minister was confident of India's lead in combating the global scourge.
Addressing the first meeting of environment ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) here, Javadekar said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that India will lead by example in its effort to combat climate change as Indian lifestyle is simple, stresses on need-based consumption and uses less energy."
"India will ensure peoples' participation in mitigating climate change. This participation is the key factor, as it will create more awareness, make people a partner and ultimately lead to lifestyle changes, which is the need of the hour," he added.
The minister also sought cooperation of the developed world for technology development and its transfer as well as finance, which he termed as "important" for robust actions by the developing world.
Javadekar said India would launch 'Fresh air, my birth right', 'Save Water, Save Energy', 'Grow More Plants' and 'Urban green' along with other such campaigns for generating awareness among masses aiming to ensure peoples' participation.
Javadekar noted India has revamped its solid waste, e-waste, plastic waste, bio-medical waste and hazardous waste management rules, posted online for public consultation with an intent to involve people at all levels in managing environmental issues.
Drawing on the success of the BRICS environment ministers' meeting, Javadekar said it lies in the members' decision to "launch a cooperation on environmental issues by setting up a steering committee to coordinate efforts and sharing of technologies and best practices".
There are many issues related to water, air, industrial pollution, waste management, sewerage treatment etc which can be effectively tackled by joint efforts among the BRICS countries, he added.
Javadekar called on the urban centres across the globe to "conserve energy, save water and lead a lifestyle which is eco-friendly".
