Reducing meat consumption is, admittedly, just one way Buddhists can combat climate change. But returning to the principles at the heart of the religion can help ground Buddhists in this practice, and help them convince others to get on board. It is just this sort of domino effect of reduced consumption that is so desperately needed if we are to slow the effects of climate change.
If vegetarianism isn't your angle, think about what is, and how you can implement change in your life and in the lives of others. The resources are out there now. What do you think is the key to combating climate change, or simply dealing most compassionately with it? Here are two videos that I came across in researching today's post that I want to share with you for their short, powerful message:
This is Katherine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University, who also happens to be a Christian evangelical.
Breaking down the science a little more is Naomi Oreskes, author of Merchants of Doubt, which was recently turned into a documentary.
A quick search of "Buddhism climate change" on youtube pulls up a dismal array of (probably very good) videos with only a few hundred hits here and there. Crafting and promoting an attractive public campaign for Buddhists could be just what is needed. But who out there is ready to start or offer to help?
References:
Damien Keown (2007), "Buddhist Ecology: A Virtue Ethics Approach," Contemporary Buddhism, Vol. 8, No. 2, November 2007
Pragati Sahni (2004), Environmental Ethics in Buddhism: A Virtues Approach. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon.
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