Activists urge PM to mandate carbon footprint labels on products

Dehradun: Environmentalists have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of World Environment Day, recommending a mandatory carbon footprint declaration system for commercial products to help consumers assess the environmental impact of their purchases.They said greater transparency would encourage environmentally responsible consumption while incentivising industries to adopt more sustainable production practices.The recommendations emerged from a round-table conference on carbon footprint organised jointly by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO).The conference brought together environmentalists, scientists, legal experts, academicians, social leaders and policy stakeholders to discuss measures for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Participants emphasised the need to equip consumers with environmental information that could guide purchasing decisions and influence production practices.“We respectfully recommend the introduction of a mandatory Carbon Footprint Declaration System for commercial products sold in India, which would help consumers understand the environmental impact associated with the manufacture, transportation and use of products. Consumer choices significantly influence carbon emissions and environmental sustainability,” said the letter signed by Dr Anil Joshi, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee and founder of HESCO, Dr Shekhar C Mande, president of the Indian National Science Society, and others.Experts at the conference said making carbon footprint disclosure a legal requirement would increase public awareness, encourage responsible consumption and push industries towards more sustainable practices. They added that such a measure could contribute to reducing environmental degradation and supporting long-term sustainable development.“We believe that India can emerge as a global leader in climate-conscious consumption by pioneering a comprehensive and practical framework for carbon footprint disclosure. We humbly request your kind consideration of this proposal,” the letter concluded.