Buddhists for the Earth

We are running out of time to prevent catastrophic warming and the resulting escalation of human suffering on a mass scale. A recent study in Climate Dynamics finds that the Earth could cross the dangerous threshold for global warming (+1.5C) between 2027 and 2042, significantly earlier than previous estimates. World leaders will be meeting for the 26th United Nations Climate Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, November 1-12, 2021. We are calling for these leaders to act swiftly, decisively and justly, to avert the climate catastrophe—including an end to fossil fuels,  and deforestation. To send this message to leaders, we will be engaging in a series of  actions this summer and fall, culminating in the Green Faith Global Day of Action.

As Buddhists we understand that the destruction of the Earth’s abundant life and ecosystems is driven by individual and collective forms of greed, hatred, and delusion. While those most responsible for climate change may not experience its worst ravages, the poor and marginalized will be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and weather and to other crises caused by climate change (famine, migration, disease, and war/violence). Future generations will experience untold suffering if climate change goes unchecked. As earth-minded Buddhists we vow to wake up, and act in response to our boundless love for life and deep connection to all its forms. We call for an end to fossil fuels, deforestation and other forms of  extraction, exploitation, and environmental injustice, which violate this love and deny our interconnection.