CNN-News18 taps viewer action for sustainability push with CNNNews18OneLess

MUMBAI: Ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, CNN-News18 has launched CNNNews18OneLess, a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging people to make simple, conscious lifestyle changes that collectively reduce environmental impact.

Built around the idea that environmental challenges are shaped as much by everyday habits as by large-scale industrial activity, the campaign urges individuals to take “one less” action that contributes to waste, pollution or excessive resource consumption. Whether it is ordering one less delivery, taking one less elevator ride, idling a vehicle less often or opting for one less printed bill, the initiative focuses on the cumulative impact of small behavioural changes.

The campaign highlights how seemingly minor decisions, when adopted by millions of people, can translate into meaningful environmental benefits through reduced emissions, lower energy consumption and less waste generation.

As part of the initiative, CNN-News18 will roll out a series of special reports and discussions across its television and digital platforms. These will examine issues ranging from India’s growing dependence on air-conditioning and the resulting pressure on the country’s power infrastructure, to practical ways households can reduce energy consumption and plastic waste.

The programming slate will include stories such as India’s Cooling Crisis, which explores the impact of rising air-conditioner usage on electricity demand, and One Less Degree, which looks at how small adjustments in cooling temperatures can help lower energy consumption. Other segments will focus on sustainable appliance usage, reducing household plastic waste and encouraging alternatives to short-distance car travel in urban areas.

The campaign will also feature CNN-News18 anchors inviting viewers to share their own “One Less” pledges, reinforcing the message that meaningful change often begins with individual action.

Commenting on the initiative, CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “The planet is not being destroyed by one catastrophic decision. It is being worn down by a million small, careless ones made every single day. At CNN-News18, we believe that journalism is not just about reporting the crisis but about inspiring people to be part of the solution.”

He added that the campaign is designed to remind people that positive change does not always originate from governments or corporations, but can start with everyday choices made by individuals.

Network18 chief executive officer, English and business news, Smriti Mehra said, “The trust placed in CNN-News18 by millions of viewers comes with a responsibility to do more than report events; we must help shape conversations that matter. Environmental sustainability is not a future concern; it is a present reality.”

According to Mehra, the campaign seeks to leverage the channel’s reach to encourage practical actions that can collectively create long-term environmental benefits.

With climate concerns increasingly moving from policy discussions into everyday life, CNN-News18’s latest initiative reflects a growing focus on solutions-driven journalism. By encouraging viewers to embrace one small change at a time, the network hopes to demonstrate that meaningful environmental progress can begin with the simplest of decisions.