Environmental EthicsEnvironmental EthicsHR 5113-492HR 5113-492

Kathryn AugsburgerKathryn AugsburgerRyan ClancyRyan Clancy

Clarissa DavidClarissa DavidMichael JamesMichael James

Deborah NewmanDeborah NewmanDylan NewmanDylan Newman

Jennifer Williams Jennifer Williams

AgendaAgenda

• IntroductionIntroduction• Global Problems and StatisticsGlobal Problems and Statistics• Global SolutionsGlobal Solutions

– ChristianityChristianity– JudaismJudaism– HinduismHinduism– IslamIslam– BuddhismBuddhism– ConfucianismConfucianism– TaoismTaoism– Baha’iBaha’i– African perspectivesAfrican perspectives

• ConclusionConclusion• ReferencesReferences

IntroductionIntroduction

• It is undeniable that the world is in need of a global ethic to It is undeniable that the world is in need of a global ethic to improve human conditions on an international, community, improve human conditions on an international, community, and personal level. But there is also a great need for a and personal level. But there is also a great need for a global ethic to preserve and improve the conditions of the global ethic to preserve and improve the conditions of the natural environment.natural environment.

• We are defining the natural environment as the planet We are defining the natural environment as the planet earth and all of the life (human and non-human) that earth and all of the life (human and non-human) that inhabits it, as well as our natural resources and climate. inhabits it, as well as our natural resources and climate. The focus of this presentation is to show how the various The focus of this presentation is to show how the various major religions of the modern world view the environment major religions of the modern world view the environment and our suggestions on how to conserve, protect, and and our suggestions on how to conserve, protect, and prevent further deterioration of our planet by focusing on prevent further deterioration of our planet by focusing on our energy consumption in the United States. our energy consumption in the United States.

• The following slides will give an account of how the major The following slides will give an account of how the major world religions regard the natural environment and our world religions regard the natural environment and our responsibility to respect it. It will cover the Christian, responsibility to respect it. It will cover the Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Baha’i, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Baha’i, and African perspectives. and African perspectives.

Global Problems and Global Problems and StatisticsStatistics• There are many major environmental problems right now. One of There are many major environmental problems right now. One of

these problems is that the accelerated greenhouse effect is these problems is that the accelerated greenhouse effect is increasing global warming and that global warming is greatly increasing global warming and that global warming is greatly effecting our environment. Warmer seasons and more severe effecting our environment. Warmer seasons and more severe storms are just two examples of how the change in our storms are just two examples of how the change in our environment is affecting our everyday lives and the lives of others environment is affecting our everyday lives and the lives of others around the world. One of the main focuses in improving this around the world. One of the main focuses in improving this aspect of the environment needs to be on energy consumption, aspect of the environment needs to be on energy consumption, production and the types of energy we use. production and the types of energy we use.

• The United States plays a major role in global energy The United States plays a major role in global energy consumption, but unfortunately we are not as successful in our consumption, but unfortunately we are not as successful in our energy production. Though accounting for only 5 percent of the energy production. Though accounting for only 5 percent of the world's population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world's world's population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world's energy. The United States is the world's largest single emitter of energy. The United States is the world's largest single emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 23 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide, accounting for 23 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. Increased carbon emissions are one carbon emissions worldwide. Increased carbon emissions are one of the major factors in global warming. of the major factors in global warming.

Global Problems and Statistics Global Problems and Statistics (con’t)(con’t)

• In a 1998 study done by the USGS showed In a 1998 study done by the USGS showed that the United States is consuming much that the United States is consuming much more energy than it is able to produce. As more energy than it is able to produce. As seen on chart 1-1, it consumes about half seen on chart 1-1, it consumes about half as much oil as the rest of the world. as much oil as the rest of the world.

 Chart 1-1 U.S. World % U.S. Total1

Oil 18.92 million barrels/day 73.6 million barrels/day 40 %

Natural Gas 21.34 tcf/year 82.2 tcf/year 23 %

Coal 1.04 billion tons/year 5.01 billion tons/year 23 %

1 Calculated on a Btu basis   

Global Problems and Statistics Global Problems and Statistics (con’t)(con’t)

Global Problems and Statistics Global Problems and Statistics (con’t)(con’t)• There are many ways that we can reduce the amount of oil, coal There are many ways that we can reduce the amount of oil, coal

and natural gases we use and still have plenty of energy to use and natural gases we use and still have plenty of energy to use that won’t deplete the environment. There are many alternative that won’t deplete the environment. There are many alternative energy sources rapidly being developed. These include Biomass energy sources rapidly being developed. These include Biomass (using plant matter and biodegradable waste to produce energy), (using plant matter and biodegradable waste to produce energy), geothermal technologies (using energy from the earth’s core), geothermal technologies (using energy from the earth’s core), hydrogen fuel cells, solar energy, wind and hydropower, all of hydrogen fuel cells, solar energy, wind and hydropower, all of which provide different ways of producing energy that will help to which provide different ways of producing energy that will help to reduce the acceleration of the greenhouse effect and global reduce the acceleration of the greenhouse effect and global warming. Unfortunately, only 7.5 percent of total U.S. energy warming. Unfortunately, only 7.5 percent of total U.S. energy consumption came from renewable sources in 1998. consumption came from renewable sources in 1998.

• Worldwide, some 2 billion people are currently without electricity. Worldwide, some 2 billion people are currently without electricity. By channeling the energy from the sun, wind and water, not only By channeling the energy from the sun, wind and water, not only could there be an infinite amount of energy, but countries around could there be an infinite amount of energy, but countries around the world could be able to supply their own energy sources the world could be able to supply their own energy sources without having to rely on others to produce them. For the 2 billion without having to rely on others to produce them. For the 2 billion people without access to electricity, it would be cheaper to install people without access to electricity, it would be cheaper to install solar panels than to extend the electrical grid.solar panels than to extend the electrical grid.

Global SolutionsGlobal Solutions

• The global community is embracing this crisis but most of The global community is embracing this crisis but most of the nations who are taking an active stance are the the nations who are taking an active stance are the industrialized nations. This is just as the industrialized industrialized nations. This is just as the industrialized nations are causing a majority of the air and water pollution. nations are causing a majority of the air and water pollution.

• As emphasis on personal responsibility is important, but As emphasis on personal responsibility is important, but difficult to enforce. Several countries around the world difficult to enforce. Several countries around the world have come up with a plethora of legislation to limit pollution have come up with a plethora of legislation to limit pollution amongst businesses and citizens. This is important for amongst businesses and citizens. This is important for several reasons:several reasons:– Incentives matter. This is not only true for businesses but for Incentives matter. This is not only true for businesses but for

households.households.– Property rights are not only a necessary condition for market Property rights are not only a necessary condition for market

exchange, but for protection of the environment. Rights must exchange, but for protection of the environment. Rights must be well defined, divestible, and defendable. be well defined, divestible, and defendable.

– Governments can establish markets that allow companies to Governments can establish markets that allow companies to utilize technologies that are sleeker and more efficient. In turn, utilize technologies that are sleeker and more efficient. In turn, reducing harmful pollutants.reducing harmful pollutants.

– Well defined rights, incentives, and appropriate consequences Well defined rights, incentives, and appropriate consequences allow for companies to not only take care of the earth today, allow for companies to not only take care of the earth today, but in the future as well.but in the future as well.

Global Solutions (con’t)Global Solutions (con’t)

• Some examples of what the world is doing:Some examples of what the world is doing:– The European Union (EU) established a Emissions Trading The European Union (EU) established a Emissions Trading

Scheme which is a market based solution for states to reach Scheme which is a market based solution for states to reach the appropriate output level of green house gases. the appropriate output level of green house gases.

– New Zealand is beginning to levy a “carbon tax” for each New Zealand is beginning to levy a “carbon tax” for each metric ton of carbon dioxide that is emitted beginning 1 Apr metric ton of carbon dioxide that is emitted beginning 1 Apr 2007. It is rumored to bring in $360 million dollars its first 2007. It is rumored to bring in $360 million dollars its first year.year.

– Germany is boasting that it gets 363 of its 410.5 megawatts Germany is boasting that it gets 363 of its 410.5 megawatts of power from solar power. That means that the total EU use of power from solar power. That means that the total EU use of solar power is over 1,000 megawatts!of solar power is over 1,000 megawatts!

– Amidst China’s struggle to gain more power to fuel its Amidst China’s struggle to gain more power to fuel its economy, their National Development and Reform commission economy, their National Development and Reform commission has committed to clean energy resources over the next 20 has committed to clean energy resources over the next 20 years which includes solar, bio-gas, and geothermal energy.years which includes solar, bio-gas, and geothermal energy.

– The world (over 160 countries) adopts the The world (over 160 countries) adopts the Kyoto protocolKyoto protocol. . This establishes targets in reduction of greenhouse gases by This establishes targets in reduction of greenhouse gases by specific years. The next big target year for reduction is 2008.specific years. The next big target year for reduction is 2008.

Global Solutions (con’t)Global Solutions (con’t)

• There are many steps that we can take on a personal level as There are many steps that we can take on a personal level as well, as we wait for these alternative energy sources to well, as we wait for these alternative energy sources to improve and hopefully replace our current energy sources. improve and hopefully replace our current energy sources. You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Here are 9 simple actions you can take to help reduce global Here are 9 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming.warming.– 1) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle1) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle– 2) Insulate Your Home2) Insulate Your Home– 3) Be Thrifty with Heating and Cooling3) Be Thrifty with Heating and Cooling– 4) Leave the Car at Home Whenever You Can4) Leave the Car at Home Whenever You Can– 5) Buy Energy-Efficient Products5) Buy Energy-Efficient Products– 6) Turn Down Your Appliances6) Turn Down Your Appliances– 7) Don’t Leave the Water Running7) Don’t Leave the Water Running– 8) Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company8) Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company– 9) Be an Informed Consumer9) Be an Informed Consumer

• StewardshipStewardship– CaretakersCaretakers

• Rotation of cropsRotation of crops• ““Because they were created in His image, God gave men Because they were created in His image, God gave men

and women a privileged place among all creatures and and women a privileged place among all creatures and commanded them to exercise stewardship over the earth” commanded them to exercise stewardship over the earth” (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:6-8) (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:6-8)

• Pope John Paul II – The Key challenge is "not only to limit Pope John Paul II – The Key challenge is "not only to limit the damage which has already been done, and apply the damage which has already been done, and apply remedies, but especially to find approaches to development remedies, but especially to find approaches to development which are in harmony with respect and protection for the which are in harmony with respect and protection for the natural environment." natural environment."

• Pope Benedict XVI - "Environmental degradation makes Pope Benedict XVI - "Environmental degradation makes poor people's existence intolerable." poor people's existence intolerable."

– Fair ShareFair Share• ““To share the bread is to live in communion. And to share To share the bread is to live in communion. And to share

the world is somehow to live in communion.” (Henrik the world is somehow to live in communion.” (Henrik Grape, sermon, 5 Oct 06)Grape, sermon, 5 Oct 06)

ChristianityChristianity

Christianity (con’t)Christianity (con’t)

• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility– God’s PlanGod’s Plan

• The primary problem with extreme forms reject the Biblical The primary problem with extreme forms reject the Biblical concept that this current earth is not permanent concept that this current earth is not permanent

• The Earth was not meant to last forever – "But the day of The Earth was not meant to last forever – "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:13)upon it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:13)

• People should be careful not to worship the Earth, for that People should be careful not to worship the Earth, for that is close to idolatryis close to idolatry

– Human DisregardHuman Disregard• ““The root of the risk of dangerous climate change from The root of the risk of dangerous climate change from

industrial civilization’s profligate use of fossil fuel is sin.”industrial civilization’s profligate use of fossil fuel is sin.” (Report of the Theology working group at the Flämslätt (Report of the Theology working group at the Flämslätt Assembly)Assembly)

• Christian Environmental Rights GroupsChristian Environmental Rights Groups– Christian Environmental AssociationChristian Environmental Association - "Serving the Earth, Serving the - "Serving the Earth, Serving the

Poor" Poor" – Target EarthTarget Earth - The service trips are holistic, combining a desire to share - The service trips are holistic, combining a desire to share

the love of Jesus while caring for the earth and the people who inhabit it. the love of Jesus while caring for the earth and the people who inhabit it. The short-term service opportunities are offered in 14 countries. The short-term service opportunities are offered in 14 countries.

– The Eden ConservancyThe Eden Conservancy - Buys up endangered lands - caring for creation - Buys up endangered lands - caring for creation one acre at a time. Individuals, churches and schools raise funds to secure one acre at a time. Individuals, churches and schools raise funds to secure rain forest at $100.00 per acre. Currently, 8,000 acres is being purchased in rain forest at $100.00 per acre. Currently, 8,000 acres is being purchased in Belize in partnership with the Belize Audubon Society Belize in partnership with the Belize Audubon Society

– European Christian Environmental NetworkEuropean Christian Environmental Network - Address the - Address the environmental concerns implicit in the biblical command to work and to care environmental concerns implicit in the biblical command to work and to care for God's creation. A network to share and work together…a European for God's creation. A network to share and work together…a European Environmental Ethic.Environmental Ethic.

– Christian Ecology Link Christian Ecology Link – The UK’s leading Christian environmental group– The UK’s leading Christian environmental group– California Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) -California Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) - Educates churches, including Educates churches, including

many Catholic parishes, on how to make a dent in global warming while many Catholic parishes, on how to make a dent in global warming while promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. The promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. The group also indorses the Oil Tax Initiative to reduce consumption by 25% group also indorses the Oil Tax Initiative to reduce consumption by 25% over the next 10 years.over the next 10 years.

Christianity (con’t)Christianity (con’t)

• StewardshipStewardship– Care Takers Care Takers

• "Year of the Environment“: Sept 1993 - Aug 1994 "Year of the Environment“: Sept 1993 - Aug 1994 (The Center for Judaism and the Environment (The Center for Judaism and the Environment Webpage)Webpage)

– Gov’t sponsored activities devoted to increasing the Gov’t sponsored activities devoted to increasing the public's environmental awareness public's environmental awareness

– Laws passed to reduce pollution and other Laws passed to reduce pollution and other environmental problems environmental problems

• The Center for Judaism and the Environment at the The Center for Judaism and the Environment at the Jerusalem College of Technology (Centre for Science Jerusalem College of Technology (Centre for Science and Environment Webpage)and Environment Webpage)

– Involved in various activities aimed at strengthening Involved in various activities aimed at strengthening and expanding Jewish education, raising environmental and expanding Jewish education, raising environmental awareness and showing how Judaism and the awareness and showing how Judaism and the environment are intrinsically linkedenvironment are intrinsically linked

JudaismJudaism

– Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility• Judaism has very powerful teachings related to the Judaism has very powerful teachings related to the

environment:environment:– "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" ("The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psalm Psalm

24:124:1))– Bal tashchit (based on Bal tashchit (based on Deuteronomy 20:19,20)Deuteronomy 20:19,20) - People are - People are

not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value "When in your war against a city you have to besiege it "When in your war against a city you have to besiege it

a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy its trees, wielding the ax against them. You may eat of its trees, wielding the ax against them. You may eat of them, but you must not cut them down.” (Source)them, but you must not cut them down.” (Source)

– The talmudic sages were greatly concerned about The talmudic sages were greatly concerned about preserving the environment and reducing pollution (Source)preserving the environment and reducing pollution (Source)

• God uses of nature:God uses of nature: – The Noah and the Flood The Noah and the Flood – The Ten PlaguesThe Ten Plagues– Tree of Good and EvilTree of Good and Evil

Judaism (con’t)Judaism (con’t)

Slide Source: Gerstenfeld, Gerstenfeld, Judaism and the Judaism and the Environment, 2000Environment, 2000

• Israel and the EnvironmentIsrael and the Environment– Religious and National Interest Conflict:Religious and National Interest Conflict:

• Rapid population growth; Rapid industrializationRapid population growth; Rapid industrialization

• Environmental concerns ignored for years…security Environmental concerns ignored for years…security top priority top priority

– Environment Problems:Environment Problems:• Jerusalem Post Jerusalem Post article "Rivers of Darkness" indicated article "Rivers of Darkness" indicated

most of Israel's rivers are much more polluted than most of Israel's rivers are much more polluted than rivers in Europe and US rivers in Europe and US

• Solid waste crisis due to discharge of increasing Solid waste crisis due to discharge of increasing amounts of garbage yearlyamounts of garbage yearly

• Less than 5% of the garbage in Israel is recycled Less than 5% of the garbage in Israel is recycled (1997)(1997)

Judaism (con’t) Judaism (con’t)

Slide Source: Schwartz, Schwartz, Environmental Issues in Environmental Issues in

IsraelIsrael

• StewardshipStewardship– Care Takers (Gov’t)Care Takers (Gov’t)

• Environment Protection Act (1986): created the Environment Protection Act (1986): created the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF); Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF); strengthening India's commitment to the environmentstrengthening India's commitment to the environment

• Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is an Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is an independent, public interest organization which aims independent, public interest organization which aims to increase public awareness on science, technology, to increase public awareness on science, technology, environment and development. The Centre was environment and development. The Centre was started in 1980 started in 1980

– CSE promotes solutions for India’s numerous CSE promotes solutions for India’s numerous environmental threats – of ‘ecological poverty’; environmental threats – of ‘ecological poverty’; extensive land degradation; rapidly growing toxic extensive land degradation; rapidly growing toxic degradation of uncontrolled industrialization; economic degradation of uncontrolled industrialization; economic growth on the othergrowth on the other

Hinduism Hinduism

Slide Source: Country Analysis Slide Source: Country Analysis Brief. India, 2004Brief. India, 2004

• StewardshipStewardship– Care Takers (Priesthood)Care Takers (Priesthood)

• Before the foundation of a building is dug, a priest is Before the foundation of a building is dug, a priest is invited to perform the invited to perform the Bhoomi PoojaBhoomi Pooja in order to in order to worship and appease mother earth and seek worship and appease mother earth and seek forgiveness for violating herforgiveness for violating her

• Hindu prayer called Hindu prayer called Shanti pathShanti path recited to conclude recited to conclude every Hindu ceremony, reflect the Hindus’ every Hindu ceremony, reflect the Hindus’ connectedness with natureconnectedness with nature

• Question Responsibility Question Responsibility – Hindus first perceived God’s presence around Hindus first perceived God’s presence around

them through naturethem through nature– To please God, Hindus felt they must live in To please God, Hindus felt they must live in

harmony with His creation including earth, harmony with His creation including earth, rivers, forests, sun, air, and mountainsrivers, forests, sun, air, and mountains

Hinduism (con’t) Hinduism (con’t)

Slide Source: Adhopia, Adhopia, 20012001

• India and the Environment India and the Environment – India's ongoing population explosion and India's ongoing population explosion and

its move toward urbanization and its move toward urbanization and industrialization has placed great strain industrialization has placed great strain on the country's environmenton the country's environment•Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution

and land degradation and land degradation

– 1984 Bhopal Disaster: a toxic leak from 1984 Bhopal Disaster: a toxic leak from the city's Union Carbide chemical plant the city's Union Carbide chemical plant resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 people people •Environmental awareness and activism in Environmental awareness and activism in

India increased significantly India increased significantly

Hinduism (con’t) Hinduism (con’t)

Slide Source: Country Analysis Slide Source: Country Analysis Brief. India, 2004Brief. India, 2004

IslamIslam• Relationship between God and EarthRelationship between God and Earth

– MeasurementMeasurement• “…“…Whithersoever you turn, there is the face of God”Whithersoever you turn, there is the face of God”

– Earth’s creatures exists in reverence of God; Everything on earth Earth’s creatures exists in reverence of God; Everything on earth worships the same God.worships the same God.

– Everything in nature is a sign of God and as such, it is continuously Everything in nature is a sign of God and as such, it is continuously praising himpraising him

– Nature is similar to that of a mirror which reflects the power, heart, and Nature is similar to that of a mirror which reflects the power, heart, and wisdom of its Creatorwisdom of its Creator

– ProtectionProtection• Everything has been created by measure and has an orderEverything has been created by measure and has an order• Everything is interdependent with everything elseEverything is interdependent with everything else• The earth is not for one generation but for every generation, past, present The earth is not for one generation but for every generation, past, present

and future and that would include humans as well as other creatures on this and future and that would include humans as well as other creatures on this earth. (Quran, 2:22)earth. (Quran, 2:22)

• ““The Environment is God’s creation. The creation of the earth and all its The Environment is God’s creation. The creation of the earth and all its natural resources is a sign of His wisdom, mercy, power, and His other natural resources is a sign of His wisdom, mercy, power, and His other attributes and therefore serves to develop human awareness and attributes and therefore serves to develop human awareness and understanding of this creator.” (Quran 13: 2-4; 21:79)understanding of this creator.” (Quran 13: 2-4; 21:79)

• ““O people! Worship your Lord, Who hat created you and those before you, O people! Worship your Lord, Who hat created you and those before you, so that you may ward off (evil), Who hath appointed the earth a resting-so that you may ward off (evil), Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you.” (Quran 2:21)the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you.” (Quran 2:21)

IslamIslam (con’t) (con’t)• ResponsibilityResponsibility

– God’s PlanGod’s Plan• Humans are created beings who act as “agents” of God on EarthHumans are created beings who act as “agents” of God on Earth• Humans should/must take into account the interconnectedness of all Humans should/must take into account the interconnectedness of all

nature when dealing and interacting with the natural environmentnature when dealing and interacting with the natural environment• Muslims should seek to protect and preserve the environment because by Muslims should seek to protect and preserve the environment because by

so doing, they protect God’s creatures which pray to Him and praise Him.so doing, they protect God’s creatures which pray to Him and praise Him.• Stewardshipness includes the maintainness and utilization of the natural Stewardshipness includes the maintainness and utilization of the natural

environment in accordance with what God created these things for, and environment in accordance with what God created these things for, and to take into account the order and the ecological balance of nature on the to take into account the order and the ecological balance of nature on the otherother

– ““It is the lot of man to share in the deeper aspirations of the universe It is the lot of man to share in the deeper aspirations of the universe around him and to shape his own destiny as well as that of the around him and to shape his own destiny as well as that of the universe, now by putting the whole of his energy to mould its forces universe, now by putting the whole of his energy to mould its forces to his own ends and purposes. And in the process of progressive to his own ends and purposes. And in the process of progressive change of God becomes a co-worker with him, providing man takes change of God becomes a co-worker with him, providing man takes the initiative”the initiative”

– Human DisregardHuman Disregard• The main purpose of human beings is nothing else but to serve God, to be The main purpose of human beings is nothing else but to serve God, to be

grateful to Him, and to worship Him alone. Human beings are invited to grateful to Him, and to worship Him alone. Human beings are invited to use this opportunity for the good and not to “corrupt the Earth”use this opportunity for the good and not to “corrupt the Earth”

– “…“…and do not cause corruption in the earth,when it has been in and do not cause corruption in the earth,when it has been in order.”order.”

BuddhismBuddhism• Relationship between Buddhism and the EnvironmentRelationship between Buddhism and the Environment

– Karma and rebirth (cyclic existence)Karma and rebirth (cyclic existence)• Buddhists believe not in a creator, but in beings fashioning their destiny by their own Buddhists believe not in a creator, but in beings fashioning their destiny by their own

actionsactions• Living creatures perform virtuous or non-virtuous actions when create predispositions Living creatures perform virtuous or non-virtuous actions when create predispositions

for rebirth in any of the six realms of cyclic existencefor rebirth in any of the six realms of cyclic existence– Virtuous actions bring about pleasant rebirths in the upper realms of gods, demi-Virtuous actions bring about pleasant rebirths in the upper realms of gods, demi-

gods and mengods and men– Non-virtuous deeds bring about suffering and rebirth in the animal, hungry Non-virtuous deeds bring about suffering and rebirth in the animal, hungry

ghosts, and hell-beings’ realsmghosts, and hell-beings’ realsm• Attain Buddhahood in order to liberate all sentient beings from the sufferings of the Attain Buddhahood in order to liberate all sentient beings from the sufferings of the

cyclic existencecyclic existence– When beings have exhausted the karma which caused their rebirth in a particular When beings have exhausted the karma which caused their rebirth in a particular

realm, in dependence on other accumulated karma, they take rebirth in another realm, in dependence on other accumulated karma, they take rebirth in another realm, wandering endlessly which the limits of cyclic existence until they find a realm, wandering endlessly which the limits of cyclic existence until they find a way out to liberation or “Buddhahood”way out to liberation or “Buddhahood”

– Six RealmsSix Realms• Though men and animals are the only tones ordinarily perceived by humans, others Though men and animals are the only tones ordinarily perceived by humans, others

such as demi-gods and hungry ghosts are believed to be present in the human realms such as demi-gods and hungry ghosts are believed to be present in the human realms greatly influencing many aspects of animal life, thus they should be treated equallygreatly influencing many aspects of animal life, thus they should be treated equally

• ““The rationale for universal compassion is based on the same principle of spiritual The rationale for universal compassion is based on the same principle of spiritual democracy. It is the recognition of the fact that every living being has an equal right democracy. It is the recognition of the fact that every living being has an equal right to and desire for happiness.” (The Dalai Lama on Compassion)to and desire for happiness.” (The Dalai Lama on Compassion)

BuddhismBuddhism (con’t) (con’t)• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility

– Buddha’s PlanBuddha’s Plan• Among all creatures of the six realms, humans are the most Among all creatures of the six realms, humans are the most

fortunate and have the best opportunity for attaining the ultimate fortunate and have the best opportunity for attaining the ultimate achievementachievement

• ““At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the notion of compassion for At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the notion of compassion for others” (The Dalai Lama on Compassion)others” (The Dalai Lama on Compassion)

• Rituals which please the local deities and ensure harmonious Rituals which please the local deities and ensure harmonious natural conditionsnatural conditions

• ““Therefore, in order to achieve more effective environmental Therefore, in order to achieve more effective environmental protection and conservation, internal balance within the human protection and conservation, internal balance within the human being himself or herself is essential.” (The Dalai Lama on being himself or herself is essential.” (The Dalai Lama on Compassion)Compassion)

BuddhismBuddhism (con’t) (con’t)– Human DisregardHuman Disregard

• Since humans cannot survive without some form of land Since humans cannot survive without some form of land exploitation and building, Tibetans take certain measures to exploitation and building, Tibetans take certain measures to prevent unnecessary mishaps:prevent unnecessary mishaps:

– Prayer flagsPrayer flags– When choosing a site for building, a lama is consulted as to the method When choosing a site for building, a lama is consulted as to the method

by which the nagas and sa-dag (guardian deities dwelling in individual by which the nagas and sa-dag (guardian deities dwelling in individual places) might be appeased and treatedplaces) might be appeased and treated

• Limit mining and exploitation of natural resources to avoid disrupting not Limit mining and exploitation of natural resources to avoid disrupting not only the animal life and ecological system, but the unseen creatures only the animal life and ecological system, but the unseen creatures believed to dwell at the sitebelieved to dwell at the site

• ““Destruction of nature and natural resources results from ignorance, greed Destruction of nature and natural resources results from ignorance, greed and lack of respect for the earth’s living things.” (The Dalai Lama on the and lack of respect for the earth’s living things.” (The Dalai Lama on the Environment)Environment)

• ““This lack of respect extends even to the earth’s human descendants, the This lack of respect extends even to the earth’s human descendants, the future generations who will inherit a vastly degraded planet if world peace future generations who will inherit a vastly degraded planet if world peace does not become a reality, and if destruction of the natural environment does not become a reality, and if destruction of the natural environment continues at the present rate” (The Dalai Lama on Humanity and Ecology)continues at the present rate” (The Dalai Lama on Humanity and Ecology)

• StewardshipStewardship– Values Constitute Key Elements:Values Constitute Key Elements:

• Promoting harmony amidst changePromoting harmony amidst change

• Embeddedness of each person in concentric circles of Embeddedness of each person in concentric circles of relationships and ethical responsibilities, the importance relationships and ethical responsibilities, the importance of the family including past, present, and future of the family including past, present, and future generationsgenerations

• Function of a hierarchical social system where loyalties Function of a hierarchical social system where loyalties to elders and to teachers are critical; the significance of to elders and to teachers are critical; the significance of education in cultivating the individual, enriching the education in cultivating the individual, enriching the society, and contributing to the political ordersociety, and contributing to the political order

• Value history as an element of civilizational continuity Value history as an element of civilizational continuity and moral rectification. and moral rectification.

ConfucianismConfucianism

Confucianism (con’t)Confucianism (con’t)

• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility– See nature as intrinsically valuable and for See nature as intrinsically valuable and for

understanding the role of the human in relation to understanding the role of the human in relation to natural processes as critical. natural processes as critical. • Human livelihood and culture was seen as continuous with Human livelihood and culture was seen as continuous with

nature, as the following passage by a leading Han nature, as the following passage by a leading Han Confucian, Tung Ch’ung-shu (c. 179–c.104 BCE), indicates: Confucian, Tung Ch’ung-shu (c. 179–c.104 BCE), indicates: “Heaven, earth, and humans are the basis of all creatures. “Heaven, earth, and humans are the basis of all creatures. Heaven gives them birth, earth nourishes them, and Heaven gives them birth, earth nourishes them, and humans bring them to completion. humans bring them to completion.

• Heaven provides them at birth with a sense of filial and Heaven provides them at birth with a sense of filial and brotherly love, earth nourishes them with clothing and brotherly love, earth nourishes them with clothing and food, and humans complete them with rites and music. food, and humans complete them with rites and music. The three act together as hands and feet join to complete The three act together as hands and feet join to complete the body and none can be dispensed with.” the body and none can be dispensed with.”

TaoismTaoism •StewardshipStewardship

•The Taoist classic The Taoist classic The Way and Its Power (tao te jing)The Way and Its Power (tao te jing) gives this advice against the gives this advice against the artificial exacerbation of our desires: artificial exacerbation of our desires:

--No lure is greater than to possess what others want, --No lure is greater than to possess what others want, --No disaster greater than not to be content with what one has, --No disaster greater than not to be content with what one has, --No presage of evil greater than that men should be wanting to get more. --No presage of evil greater than that men should be wanting to get more. --Truly: He who has once known the contentment that comes simply through--Truly: He who has once known the contentment that comes simply through being  content, will never again be otherwise than contented. being  content, will never again be otherwise than contented.

• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility•The Taoists suggest that the first step to “enlightenment” is in awareness of theThe Taoists suggest that the first step to “enlightenment” is in awareness of the

patterns of nature, both within our own body and mind and in the naturalpatterns of nature, both within our own body and mind and in the natural environment that we usually think of as "outside". Nature can be for us a template, aenvironment that we usually think of as "outside". Nature can be for us a template, a model, a paradigm, an anchor, a beacon. model, a paradigm, an anchor, a beacon.

•The nature outside of Taoists can resonate with the natural patterns within and help us to The nature outside of Taoists can resonate with the natural patterns within and help us to get back in touch with our natural selves. When humans destroy our natural environment get back in touch with our natural selves. When humans destroy our natural environment or make it unavailable for people to tune back into, humans destroy one of the most or make it unavailable for people to tune back into, humans destroy one of the most precious healing resources for our civilization-jaded psyches.precious healing resources for our civilization-jaded psyches.

Baha'i FaithBaha'i Faith• StewardshipStewardship

– BalanceBalance• Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-founder of the Bahá'í Faith, said nature and all its Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-founder of the Bahá'í Faith, said nature and all its

creations reflect the qualities and attributes of God creations reflect the qualities and attributes of God • Essence of Bahá'í environmental approach is harmony of science and religionEssence of Bahá'í environmental approach is harmony of science and religion

– There must be balanced approach to development that maintains a deep There must be balanced approach to development that maintains a deep understanding of the significance of the natural realm in the material and spiritual understanding of the significance of the natural realm in the material and spiritual development of all humanitydevelopment of all humanity

– DevelopmentDevelopment• Material development is important to free us from the captivity of the world of Material development is important to free us from the captivity of the world of

naturenature– As long as man is captive to nature he is a ferocious animal struggling for existence. As long as man is captive to nature he is a ferocious animal struggling for existence.

• The value of nature and its preservation cannot be expressed in sheer The value of nature and its preservation cannot be expressed in sheer economic terms. economic terms.

• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility– God’s PlanGod’s Plan

• Bahá'u'lláh wrote: "The earth is but one county, and mankind its citizens." Bahá'u'lláh wrote: "The earth is but one county, and mankind its citizens." • Mercy and compassion must be shown not only to human beings, but all living Mercy and compassion must be shown not only to human beings, but all living

creatures and cruelty to animals is prohibited.creatures and cruelty to animals is prohibited.– Human DisregardHuman Disregard

• Bahá'u'lláh "If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil Bahá'u'lláh "If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation.“as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation.“

• Bahá'í International Community states the unfettered exploitation of planetary Bahá'í International Community states the unfettered exploitation of planetary natural resources is one symptom of a "sickness of the human spirit".natural resources is one symptom of a "sickness of the human spirit".

• Baha’i Faith Environmental Rights GroupsBaha’i Faith Environmental Rights Groups– International Environment Forum (International Environment Forum (http://http://www.bcca.org/ief/home.htmwww.bcca.org/ief/home.htm) )

African ReligionsAfrican Religions• StewardshipStewardship

– RespectRespect• Live in harmony with nature and respect the environmentLive in harmony with nature and respect the environment

– Nature is to be held sacred and used responsibly Nature is to be held sacred and used responsibly – If humans hurt nature, nature hurts themIf humans hurt nature, nature hurts them

– DevelopmentDevelopment• African Charter to a Global Ethic includes; The Rights of Development:African Charter to a Global Ethic includes; The Rights of Development:

– Both in a cultural and environmental sense of developmentBoth in a cultural and environmental sense of development• Africans invented ways of using the environment for gain; swamp farming, Africans invented ways of using the environment for gain; swamp farming,

crop rotations, crop mixing, and iron tools such as axes and hoes. crop rotations, crop mixing, and iron tools such as axes and hoes. – They did not seek scientific improvement because they produced sufficient They did not seek scientific improvement because they produced sufficient

amounts for their community and had no interest in mass production.amounts for their community and had no interest in mass production.

• Question of ResponsibilityQuestion of Responsibility– The PlanThe Plan

• African cosmology, forces and phenomena of nature to grant mystical lifeAfrican cosmology, forces and phenomena of nature to grant mystical life• God communicates through dreams, visions and natureGod communicates through dreams, visions and nature

– Human DisregardHuman Disregard• The African continent has been neglected by the masters of world economy, The African continent has been neglected by the masters of world economy,

it suffers from starvation and ethnic cleansing and its governments are it suffers from starvation and ethnic cleansing and its governments are falling apart. falling apart.

• Today African nations are lost in the money oriented exploitation of natural Today African nations are lost in the money oriented exploitation of natural resourcesresources

• African Religions Environmental GroupsAfrican Religions Environmental Groups– African Environment Outlook (African Environment Outlook (http://http://www.grida.no/aeowww.grida.no/aeo//))

ConclusionConclusion

• As we continue to discuss dialogue and respect among As we continue to discuss dialogue and respect among each other in search of a global ethic, it is imperative that each other in search of a global ethic, it is imperative that we apply this concept to other aspects of our life, including we apply this concept to other aspects of our life, including our interaction with the environment. In the same way that our interaction with the environment. In the same way that we need to expand our consciousness about other cultures we need to expand our consciousness about other cultures and religions we also need to expand our consciousness and religions we also need to expand our consciousness about our natural surroundings. The same respect and about our natural surroundings. The same respect and mental openness we use to learn from our dialogue with mental openness we use to learn from our dialogue with others should be extended to our environmental others should be extended to our environmental surroundings. We should also use dialogue with each other surroundings. We should also use dialogue with each other to derive a successful way of conserving the planet and to derive a successful way of conserving the planet and preventing further deterioration. By working together we preventing further deterioration. By working together we can develop a global ethic that will help all life, not just can develop a global ethic that will help all life, not just human life, on this planet. human life, on this planet.

ReferencesReferences

• US Energy Consumption. Maxwell School of Syracuse University. April 2006. US Energy Consumption. Maxwell School of Syracuse University. April 2006. http://wilcoxen.cp.maxwell.syr.edu/pages/804.htmlhttp://wilcoxen.cp.maxwell.syr.edu/pages/804.html

• ““United States Energy and World Energy Production and Consumption Statistics.” United States Energy and World Energy Production and Consumption Statistics.” USGS Central Region Energy Resource Team. 1998. USGS Central Region Energy Resource Team. 1998. http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/energy/stats_ctry/Stat1.html#ConsumptionUvsWhttp://energy.cr.usgs.gov/energy/stats_ctry/Stat1.html#ConsumptionUvsW

• West, Larry. West, Larry. Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming. Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming. About.com About.com Environmental Issues. 2006. Environmental Issues. 2006. http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/tp/globalwarmtips.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/tp/globalwarmtips.htm

• Dahl, Arthur, L. (1997), Dahl, Arthur, L. (1997), Environmental Protection from a Baha'i Perspective. Environmental Protection from a Baha'i Perspective. Retrieved 04 Aug 2003 from Baha’i Library Online website:Retrieved 04 Aug 2003 from Baha’i Library Online website: http://bahai-library.com/?filehttp://bahai-library.com/?file==dahl_environmental_protectiondahl_environmental_protection

• Landau, Richard (2002), Landau, Richard (2002), Baha'i Faith and the Environment. Baha'i Faith and the Environment. Retrieved 05 Aug 2003 Retrieved 05 Aug 2003 from Baha’i Library Online website:from Baha’i Library Online website: http://bahai-library.com/?filehttp://bahai-library.com/?file==landau_bahai_faith_environmentlandau_bahai_faith_environment

• Brooks, Amanda (2003),  Brooks, Amanda (2003),  Religion of AfricaReligion of Africa. Retrieved 21 Nov 2003 from Geocities . Retrieved 21 Nov 2003 from Geocities website:website: http://www.geocities.com/genebrooks/african-religion.htmlhttp://www.geocities.com/genebrooks/african-religion.html

References (con’t)References (con’t)

• Adhopia, Ajit. Hinduism Promotes Environment Protection. December 2, 2001. Adhopia, Ajit. Hinduism Promotes Environment Protection. December 2, 2001. http://www.boloji.com/analysis/018.htmhttp://www.boloji.com/analysis/018.htm

• Centre for Science and Environment Webpage Centre for Science and Environment Webpage http://www.cseindia.org/http://www.cseindia.org/

• Country Analysis Brief. India: Environmental Issues. February 2004. Country Analysis Brief. India: Environmental Issues. February 2004. http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/indiaenv.htmlhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/indiaenv.html

• Environmental Issues in Israel by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, Environmental Issues in Israel by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, College of Staten Island. College of Staten Island. http://www.jewishveg.com/schwartz/envirois.htmlhttp://www.jewishveg.com/schwartz/envirois.html

• Gerstenfeld, Dr. Manfred. Judaism and the Environment, Feb 20, 2000. Gerstenfeld, Dr. Manfred. Judaism and the Environment, Feb 20, 2000. http://www.besr.org/library/bachrach.htmlhttp://www.besr.org/library/bachrach.html

• The Center for Judaism and the Environment http://www.besr.org/activities/environment.htmlThe Center for Judaism and the Environment http://www.besr.org/activities/environment.html

• Stroup, R. L. (2003). Stroup, R. L. (2003). Eco-nomicsEco-nomics. Washington D.C.: The Cato Institute.. Washington D.C.: The Cato Institute.

• Dien, Mawil Izzi, (1997), Islam and the Environment, theory, and practice. Journal of Beliefs Dien, Mawil Izzi, (1997), Islam and the Environment, theory, and practice. Journal of Beliefs and Balues, No 1 Retrieved 14 Oct 2006 from the Captive Minds website: and Balues, No 1 Retrieved 14 Oct 2006 from the Captive Minds website: http://www.captiveminds.org/env/ecomehttp://www.captiveminds.org/env/ecome

References (con’t)References (con’t)

• His Holiness, the Dalai Lama(1986), An Ethical Approach to Environmental His Holiness, the Dalai Lama(1986), An Ethical Approach to Environmental Protection. Retrieved 10 Oct 2006 from The Government of Tibet in Exile Protection. Retrieved 10 Oct 2006 from The Government of Tibet in Exile website: http://www.tibet.com/Eco/dleco1.htmlwebsite: http://www.tibet.com/Eco/dleco1.html

• His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, The Dalai Lama Speaking on Various Topics, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, The Dalai Lama Speaking on Various Topics, Retrieved 10 Oct 2006 from the Dharma Kara Website: Retrieved 10 Oct 2006 from the Dharma Kara Website: http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlspeech.htmlhttp://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlspeech.html

• Ozdemir, Ibraham, Ph.D, An Islamic Perspective of Environmental Ethics, Ozdemir, Ibraham, Ph.D, An Islamic Perspective of Environmental Ethics, Retrieved 14 Oct 2006 from from the Nur Website: Retrieved 14 Oct 2006 from from the Nur Website: http://www.nur.org/treatise/articles/IslamicEnvironmental Ethics.htmlhttp://www.nur.org/treatise/articles/IslamicEnvironmental Ethics.html

• Yeshi, Kim, The Tibetan Buddhist view of the Environment, Retrieved 11 Yeshi, Kim, The Tibetan Buddhist view of the Environment, Retrieved 11 Oct 2006 from The Government of Tibet in Exile website: Oct 2006 from The Government of Tibet in Exile website: http://www.tibet.com/Eco/eco8.htmlhttp://www.tibet.com/Eco/eco8.html