Image: Zentangle by Edith Rose, who passed away in the fall of 2023.
by Christine Muller
What’s the most effective action we can take to help the environment? That was the sincere question of a student in the climate change course at the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) in Iran.
After exploring the Climate Simulator by Climate Interactive, it became clear to all participants that no single technical solution would save us from climate change. We must reduce carbon emissions in all aspects of life and all economic activities: energy production, transportation, agriculture, etc. If we want to escape a climate catastrophe, these emission cuts must happen quickly and substantially to reach net zero by 2050! Humanity has never faced such a huge challenge.
So, what can we do as individuals and as small communities that would be most meaningful? This, of course, will depend on the reality of an individual’s life and the needs and strengths of a community. Here are some thoughts:
For the required far-reaching climate actions to happen, we need a fundamental transformation that radically changes human perceptions of ourselves, the purpose of life, human relationships, and the relationship of humans with nature. Success will also require a clear vision and strong motivation to overcome the paralysis of will and the undeniably huge challenges. This can only happen with spiritual education and development. Spirituality, moderation, and contentment are prerequisites for humans to abandon the materialism and consumerism that are wrecking the planet. To overcome the mistaken views of human independence from nature and deep-rooted nationalism—the main obstacles to global climate action—we must plant the oneness of all humankind and our interconnectedness with the natural world deeply within our hearts and communities.
All Bahá’í activities, from devotional gatherings and study classes for all ages to 19-day feasts and firesides, are meant to advance us in this direction spiritually. Therefore, supporting Bahá’í community building and infusing public discourse about the environment with spiritual principles may be the most meaningful thing we all can do.
It may not be sufficient, though, because environmental awareness is low, especially in the US. Environmental education is essential to apply the Bahá’í teachings in these efforts properly. Environmental education can be incorporated into children’s and junior youth classes. Adults can also learn about the environment, for example, by taking the upcoming Wilmette Institute’s Sustainable Development course (starts July 24) or by exploring the vast resources on the Bahá’í-inspired International Environment Forum website, which includes climate change materials for group or self-study.
Lastly, we can incorporate environmentally responsible actions in our daily lives and community activities in sync with the rhythm of life. Where conditions are ripe, we can also engage in environmental social action.
