Climate Crisis Series - Part 3 of 3: What can we do about Climate Crisis?

This is the third and final in a series of 3 questions and answers about climate change. The prior articles explained climate crisis and why we should care about it. This article below is focused on the actions we can take to limit the adverse effects of climate change.

 

Q19. What can we do about the Climate Change? What are some specific and actionable things that we can do to help with these issues at an individual and citizen level, Community and Corporate level, Jain society and pathshala level where we can influence?

With the previous two articles, we have taken the first step to cultivate the awareness in ourselves that climate change is real. That it is a problem, that it is urgent, and that we have a responsibility to address it, individually and collectively. When taking steps to address climate change, we should start with a positive outlook that it is possible to improve things. Giving up, feeling hopeless is not going to help, or going into denial is not going to change the reality.

 

You must have heard this popular term “Go Green” being used with Save the environment or Stop this Climate Change.

 

What Does it mean to “Go Green”?

Living an environment friendly life is called “Going Green”. It is the process of changing one’s lifestyle and collectively communities’ way of living for the safety and benefits of the environment and to stop adverse climate changes. “Going Green” means being conscious about the negative impact of our direct and indirect actions on the environment, on global warming, pollution, lack of animal habitat, careless use of finite essential resources etc.

 

When it comes to making progress on important issues like” Climate Change”, let’s remember that actions can come in many forms, and we should not solely rely on just one form of actions or the other:

1) small, personal everyday choices,

2) major individual lifestyle choices

3) collective action at local, national, and global levels

 

Large % of the population thinks that somehow only sweeping government policies or collective community actions can only bring the necessary significant impact. Meanwhile, we think, how much of an adverse impact is it going to have on the environment, if I use a few plastic water bottles, polythene bags or a few plane rides?

 

This paradox, where we may think that how the small, individual conscious changes I make at an individual level will help save the environment is important to understand. You are right, a few small actions aren’t enough. However, over the years, individually and collectively we can bring a significant difference by incrementally making the right decisions and choices every day. There are many ways, big and small, short-term and long-term, and individual or collective to address climate challenges.

 

 

Remember,

“Nothing is too small to matter.

AND

No one is too small to make a difference.”

Let’s start with looking at ways to “Go Green” that aligns with our Jain Values:

Remember, it is everyone’s responsibility, because:

 

OUR PLANET IS DEAR AND OUR CRISIS ARE REAL!! 

Tell yourself this

IF NOT ME THEN WHO? IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN?

 

 

Below please find some more actionable ways and ideas to “Go Green”:

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Easy ways to “Go Green” @ Individual Level

Change Food Preferences

Please read this animal-agriculture-position-paper to understand how animal agriculture is one of the biggest reason for Climate Change and Environmental Crisis - https://www.climatehealers.org/animal-agriculture-position-paper

 

 

Few Visual Graphs showing the impacts of Animal Agriculture over decades:

Fig. 4.1. The biomass of wild animals, humans and farmed animals over time. Human biomass was negligible compared to that of wild animals 10K years ago. Today, this biomass ratio is inverted and biomass levels are unsustainable.

Fig. A.2. How the ice-free land area of the planet is distributed for different uses. Please note that pristine forests constitute just 9%, while Animal Grazing occurs on 37% of the land area. Source: 2019 IPCC Special Report.

  

Another good article showing what impact Dairy Vs. Plant based milk has on Environment: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46654042

 

Producing a glass of dairy milk every day for a year requires 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of land, the equivalent of two tennis courts and more than 10 times as much as the same amount of oat milk, according to this study.

People tend to underestimate the greenhouse gas emissions from food, and dairy milk is no exception, according to research by Dr Adrian Camilleri, a psychologist at the University of Technology Sydney.

"The greenhouse gas emissions from milk are about 30 times higher than what people estimate," Dr Camilleri told BBC News.

"I suspect that most consumers underestimate the greenhouse gas emissions saved by switching from dairy milk to plant-based milk such as soy milk." -  Dr Camilleri

Choose environment friendly diet such as  Low Carbon Diet (do not confuse with Low-Carb Diet), and Vegan diet- Veganism and the Environment | PETA. 

Buy local and organic food when possible.

 

Save Water and Conserve Energy at Home:

-         Do not fill up the bathtubs. Instead of a head shower, use a bucket and tumbler.

-         Turn off the tap while brushing, also while brushing use water in a cup

-         Do not throw away collected water, reuse it to water plants. However, water plants only when needed and not all the time

-         Fix toilets when broken to stop wastage of water

-         Be mindful of running less laundry to save water and conserve energy. Choose to air dry

-         Use water wisely in the kitchen, while washing dishes

-         Be mindful of dishwasher runs to save water and conserve energy

-         Stay in the same room to avoid heating, cooling, or lighting up the whole house. Turn off lights once you leave the room/area.

-         Use the fan instead of air conditioning, and when using AC, set the temperature higher.

-         In wintertime, set the heat lower. Wear layers of clothing to stay warm.

-         Find out more ideas here and here.

 

Reduce and Refuse- adopt minimalism and avoid consumerism:

Seventh Anuvrat – Bhog-Upbhog Pariman Vrata

-         Use paper products when required, however keep the use of it limited to only when required

-         Do not waste food and Do not waste paper

-         Limit our needs: we don’t need 20 pairs of shoes, 40 pairs of shirts, pants, dresses or jackets. Purchase well-made, durable clothing, and avoid "fast fashion"

-         Get clothes that don’t have animal fur/products on them such as: Leather, wool, silk, cashmere, etc.

 

Recycle and Reuse:

-         Use reusable bags for shopping, reusable water bottles instead of plastic bags or bottles

-         Use steel, glass or ceramic dishes, spoons, forks, knives and straws instead of disposables

-         Use handkerchief when needed and not Kleenex wipes

-         Use instant coffee rather than a machine and thereby reducing the paper wastage due to filters

-         Properly recycle paper, plastic and other items as much as possible

-         Donate toys and other used but good conditioned household items. Choose to buy used items when safe and possible

-         Be creative and make the best from waste, E.g. Cardboard turned into a sled, using one side printed papers for kids' work. Find more best from waste ideas here and here.

 

Travel and Commuting: (Sixth Anuvrat – Dig Parimana Vrata)

-         Choose low-carbon mode of daily commute: walk, run, bike, use of public transportation, bus to school, Vanpool for office etc. whenever possible

-         Choose local fun locations for holidays/vacations. Keep Air travels to minimal, only when required and no better choice. This is because high altitude emissions are more potent to the climate then the same emissions at the ground level

-         Choose to avoid cruise ship vacations to eliminate/reduce adverse impact on ocean life

-         Green Driving - if possible, switch to Electric car instead of Gasoline or diesel

-         Consider size of the car for commuting needs Vs. comfort

-         Find more ideas on Green Transportation on - Switchyourthinking

Home Energy, Landscape and Consumption:

-         Implement energy efficient ways to keep your home cool during summer, such as, keep air-conditioner at 24 C temperature, every degree cooler than this uses 10% more energy, use ceiling fan or portable fan, keep curtains closed, keep home well insulated etc.

-         Implement energy efficient ways to keep your home warm during winter, such as, keep your home well insulated, add on one or more clothing layers yourself - easier to insulate yourself than entire home, avoid space heaters as it consumes a lot of energy etc.

-         Reduce home energy use through measures such as use of rooftop solar panels, energy efficient and green energy starred appliances, heat reflective paints, lowering water heater temperature and improving heating and cooling unit’s efficiency

-         Install bidet systems in bathrooms to reduce use of toilet papers

-         Adopt eco-friendly ways for landscaping, gardening outdoor space in your homes, such as, maximizing water usage by choosing right time of the day to water lawn, trees and plants, use of mulch bed to reduce water evaporation, harvest rainwater to use for gardening, choose drought-resistant plants etc.

-         Install modern irrigation system for watering lawn

-         Use solar lights for outdoor use

Consider these lifestyle changes to “Go Green”

-         Consider living in or near city premises where public transportation is easily accessible

-         Consider moving into smaller houses and limit household need

-         Consider family planning to have fewer kids

-         Consider choosing a career in environmental justice or volunteer in such projects

 

Think bigger than at Individual level and influence your family, friends, neighborhood, school, community and colleagues!

 

 

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Ways to “Go Green” @ Citizen Level

From national governments to businesses, from organizations to individual citizens, we all have a role to play in stopping the Climate Change. The reason is individual actions alone will not save the planet and stop environmental damages. We need big players’ commitment, from business and political leaders at all levels of society to reduce carbon emissions, phase-out fossil fuels, and switch to clean energy.

When it comes to Climate change, Citizen actions matter:

-         Read about and understand why “The Paris Agreement on Climate Change” was signed by the World Leaders. How we as citizens can help drive changes through implementation of this agreement by our Government

-         Learn about digital media, platforms that are created to raise Climate Change awareness, such as, DMZ (Digital Media Zone) - a bridge between UN (United Nations) and general public was used to have engaging communication during Paris agreement

-         One other effective way to make a positive impact is by funding the Charities, Eco-friendly Companies that support or invent renewable energy technologies, energy efficient sources, or do tree planting particularly in developing nations

-         Tell TV Networks and Social Media Platforms to call “Climate Change” a Crisis

-         Tell your local Congress to fight for a new Green Deal

-         Sign petitions and participate safely in protests and rally to create awareness

-         Use Ecosia: Ecosia is a search engine (like google) that donates 80% or more of its profits to nonprofit organizations dedicated to reforestation

 

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Ways to “Go Green” in your Jain Center, Pathshala or Neighborhood Community

-         Create Climate Change Crisis awareness in kids and adults at Jain Centers and Pathshalas and teach our responsibilities as Jains to adopt environment friendly lifestyle

-         Set up “Go Green” Clubs/Committees to promote and adopt Green ways within Jain centers and Pathshalas to lead by example

-         Create the awareness of using reusable grocery bags, dinnerware’s and straws

-         Promote limited use of plastic and recycling of glass, metals, paper, and plastic

-         Implement creative ways to compost food waste in your neighborhood, grow community garden

-         Throw a block party on “Earth Day” to create the awareness, have “Tree Planting” day to grow more trees in the neighborhood

-         Create a volunteer community cleanup day

-         Be part of HOA (Homeowner Association) to drive and implement these changes

-         Promote and participate in Carpool, Vanpool for work commute or kids’ activities

-         Educate neighborhood kids about environmental issues and climate change

-         Write messages about saving the environment on the sidewalks using chalk

Few examples of some of the Jain Centers “Going Green” in North America:

-         Jain Center of Los Angeles only serves Vegan food for all events/gatherings by the center

-         Jain Center of Chicago and North Carolina uses biodegradable disposable dinnerware’s for all events by the center

-         Jain Center of North Carolina recycles all Jain Scriptures/Books during any events/gatherings

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Ways to “Go Green” @ Schools and Offices

-         “Go Green” with your school or office supplies, such as, buy water-based paints for a non-toxic alternative, pencils made from recycled wood, solar panel calculators, fabric backpacks and not plastic,

-         Use biodegradable water bottles, cups and metal utensils (instead of Ziploc bags and plastic spoons/forks) etc.

-         Use less paper napkins, towels instead use hand air dryers. Petition to install air dryers in school and office bathrooms

-         Reuse notebooks, folders, crayons, etc. instead of buying new packs every school year

-         Teach kids to finish their food at school, don’t throw it away

-         Don’t create trash by using both sides of papers, don’t print unnecessary papers if not needed

-         Ask School and Office administration to provide easy access to recycle in the buildings, recycle waste bins, garbage bins throughout the facility

-         Carpool with others or take a school bus

-         Petition to install solar panels on the school and office rooftops

-         Ask your teacher to open the blinds for natural sunlight, or use lamps instead of overhead lights, or do the same in offices. Petition to switch lights to LEDS

-         Start a Go Green club at your school and/or your office (planting trees, rain gardens etc.)

 

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Ways to Plan “Green Event” - house parties, weddings, conferences, or conventions

It’s not necessary to spend a fortune to plan your Green Event. Many of these ideas will actually help you cut your event’s overall cost and provide added benefits for your guests. All of this at the same time as helping to save our dear Planet!

-         Save trees, send digital invitation, and set up digital ticketing

-         Use an “Event App” to communicate essential information and agenda about the event

-         Partner with public transports for discounted rates for a bigger event to promote public transportation, set up group transportation or encourage car/ride sharing

-         Choose eco-friendly, seasonal and local food menu

-         Avoid over catering to avoid food wastage. Also, ensure any unconsumed perishable food will be handled correctly so it can be donated to food salvage programs.

-         Use compostable party decorations. Or try to reuse party decor year over year, recycle these with friends and family when possible.

-         When it comes to sourcing things required for the event, keep it local as much as possible to cut down on transportation

-         Do not use plastic silverware during large events, because it is hard to recycle without washing them. Instead opt to use compostable silverware and paper straws to help the environment.

-         At the event, don’t hand out plastic water bottles and individually wrapped items to participants. Instead, place glasses and water pitchers in the meeting space

-         Use of recycled, biodegradable paper towels, tissue paper, toilet paper

-         Streamline waste management at your events - keep the garbage bins and recycle bins accessible throughout event facility

-         Avoid giving return gifts or kids’ goody bags with so many little toys and items. Most of them are one time use and throw. Instead give a gift card or e-gift card or some edible items as return gifts.

-         Find more ways for hosting a Green Event here - Eco-Friendly Events: Surprisingly Simple

Hope this blog and shared information will give us the right inspiration, motivation and plenty of concrete, specific and actionable ideas that we can start implementing right away for creating a positive impact on Climate Change to save the environment and our mother planet EARTH.

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Additionally, the JAINA Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee has prepared a comprehensive statement summarizing the problem of climate change from a Jain perspective. We encourage readers to learn more at Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis.

Climate Crisis Series - Part 2 of 3: Why should we care about it?

This is the second in a series of 3 questions and answers about climate change. The prior article explained climate change and how various human activities is causing it. This article below examines why we, as Jains, should care about climate change. The final article will address what actions we can take to limit the adverse effects of climate change.

Q18. Why should we, especially as Jains, care about the climate / environmental issues?

Why does climate matter? Why should anyone care?

From a purely anthropomorphic (human-centric) point of view, taking action on climate change is necessary for our own survival and well-being. To date, climate change has affected poorer parts of the world and animal and plant life more than people in the developing world. The wealthier countries and communities have been mostly spared from the most serious effects, so far. However, climate change does not favor or discriminate. Left unaddressed, it will affect every living being, if not in our lifetimes, then in the coming generations. In the history of mankind, people have generally escaped from disasters by emigrating to new lands. However, the unprecedented nature of climate change is that it engulfs the entire planet, leaving no feasible place for people to escape to. Therefore, even from a purely selfish standpoint, one should care for the sake his or her own comfort and survival.

From a broader moral standpoint, we share the Earth with billions of other humans as well as other life, all of whom desire to live, seek happiness, and avoid pain. A naturally functioning planet is a basic requirement for every living being to survive. The choices we make today will affect the amount of greenhouse gases we put into the atmosphere in future. The basic moral argument is that humans have inherited the resources and boons of a good life from generations before, and we owe it to the younger and coming generations, and for all other life, to leave them a livable planet.

What is the Jain point of view on why climate change should matter?

From Jain perspective, let’s first recognize that Jain dharma offers a treasure of wisdom to help humankind navigate the uniquely global, modern-day challenges posed by climate change. Jain dharma offers extremely relevant and timely guidance not only for Jains, but for all humanity and all living beings. Jains strive to follow five key principles known as Mahavrats (great vows). Two of these Jains principles are most directly relevant to climate change, including Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Another two principles also have relevance for climate change, including Asteya (non-stealing), and Satya (truthfulness). Let’s examine each of these.

·        Ahimsa: Our first and foremost basis for life is reflected in the Jain principle “ahimsa paramo dharma” (non-violence is the highest virtue). This “live and let live” principle of non-violence and compassion extends to all living beings, and to the planet itself as an ecosystem of living beings. Jain dharma recognizes the connectedness of all living beings. Parasparopagraho Jīvānām is a Jain aphorism from the Tattvārtha Sūtra, which translates as “all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence", or more literally as “souls render service to one another.” Ahimsa calls for mutual respect and reverence for all living beings. When Ahimsa is practiced to its full extent, humanity can live with compassion in a more balanced harmony with the environment and the other living beings on the planet.

·        Aparigraha: In Jain dharma, the word parigraha means to crave, seek, or collect material possessions. The Jain Mahavrat of Aparigraha calls for non-attachment, or non-possessiveness. Attachment is considered an obstacle to spiritual liberation because the excessive pursuit of material possessions leads to the desire to own such objects, an insatiable greed for acquiring more, and the fear of losing what one has. All of these can become a distraction to the upliftment of the soul.

For laypeople, Jain dharma recognizes the role of material possessions as merely a temporary means to sustain the body to the necessary degree during its finite physical life. It is believed that we are not the owner of wealth, but merely trustees who should use the wealth to help those in need instead of hoarding and spending lavishly on ourselves. Material possessions should not become the end-goal of life itself. When people form attachments to consumer goods, houses, cars, jewelry, vacations, luxuries, wealthy, and so on, then the underlying attachment not only becomes a distraction to our spiritual growth, but it also results in the exploitation of the environment, which is a major cause of climate change. For this reason, Jain dharma recommends that people should extinguish or minimize desires to only what is necessary and strive to limit one’s needs.

·        Asteya is the Jain Mahavrat concerning the principle of not stealing. For laypersons, non-stealing is usually interpreted as not taking something that does not belong to us, and not to acquire possessions through unfair means. If we further consider the resources of our planet Earth as inherently shared by all living beings, then the principle of Asteya can be interpreted to mean that no one should take or keep more than his or her fair share. Today, global wealth is extremely concentrated in the hands of a small minority of people (including some Jains). Extreme wealth disparities can be considered a kind of theft because it can lead to desperation for survival and a race to the bottom for the many other have-nots. The resulting exploitation of resources has an adverse effect on climate change. To practice Asteya, we should be mindful to be content with our fair share of resources.

·        Satya is the Jain Mahavrat concerning the principle of telling the truth. For laypersons, Satya means observance of truth in thought, speech, and action. In practice, this means to tell the truth, not to lie not to deceive, and not to speak things that cause pain and suffering to others. As it pertains to climate change, there are two aspects of Satya that are important. The first is to avoid deluding ourselves into denying the existence of climate change, our role in it, or our responsibility to address it. Such delusion would amount to lying to ourselves. The second aspect is to promote the truth of climate change. In a democratic world where the future of the planet will be decided by the collective beliefs and actions of many, it is imperative that people understand the facts. Today, there is much harmful misinformation in the world about climate change. To observe Satya, one must not only avoid propagating false beliefs, but also strive to create right awareness with others in such matters.

The relevance of these Jain principles to climate change is very critical. Most humans do not naturally strive to commit violence to the environment. We do not intend to become greedy and hoard. We do not take pride in stealing and lying. But let us consider whether we are applying Jain principles to their full extent to address climate change.

The reality is that most of us, whether Jain or not, remain oblivious to or in denial of the levels of violence that we cause either directly or more often, indirectly. The root cause of our ignorance is our disconnectedness. Governments and business institutions, acting under national and corporate interests, collectively enable hundreds of millions of humans to cooperate with each other to commit unimaginable levels of violence. However, because of the gigantic scale and complexity of such institutions, we individuals may not recognize or feel responsibility for the violence enabled by our own actions, because of our disconnectedness. A person living by principles of Ahimsa would never directly participate in wiping out an entire forest, starving the resident animals, displacing its indigenous people, and poisoning its environment. But the same individuals may not be aware that his/her taxes, consumer spending, and stock market investments may be enabling exactly such violence.

In modern society, we are disconnected from the natural world, from our actions and consequences, and even from each other. Our advanced technology, science, cultural institutions, and specialized economies allow us to distance ourselves almost entirely from the acquisition of the necessities of life. We live in urban and suburban areas, far from nature. Our food is grown far away in massive industrial farms and transported from long distances by people we never meet and environments we never interact with. Similarly, our water, electricity, fuel, clothes, medicines, and other necessities of life are provided through complex processes from which we are largely disconnected except as end-consumers. Even when we do connect with nature, it is often in the form of very limited experiences, venturing into safe spaces in the wilderness, or recreating in curated parks. Whereas our ancestors could navigate by the stars, we hardly know the cycles of the moon, and are dependent on the internet to know the temperature outdoors.

This is not to suggest we should return to living in forests like primates. Rather, let us recognize how our spiritual disconnectedness with ourselves and with the world is making us part of a much greater system of violence than is commonly recognized. A true commitment to stopping climate change using Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Asteya, and Satya requires individuals to create awareness and take responsibility for the effects of the entirety of our actions, individually and collectively, and directly and indirectly.

In summary, Jain dharma is a spiritual practice centered on compassion and non-violence to all living beings and the planet. In Jain dharma, all souls are considered equal, and humans are not entitled to impose superiority over other living beings or hold dominion over the planet. Our religion recognizes the interdependency of living beings for our mutual survival. Jain dharma has great relevance for understanding and addressing the contemporary challenge of climate change. As the spiritual adherents of Mahavir Bhagwan, we are well positioned to share the message of Jain dharma with a world that needs to act decisively and with greater urgency to save the planet.

This concludes our perspective on we, as human beings, and Jains especially, should care about climate change. The next article will explain what we can do to stop climate change and protect the environment.

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Additional recommended reading:

1. The JAINA Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee has prepared a comprehensive statement summarizing the problem of climate change from a Jain perspective. We encourage readers to learn more at Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis.

2. Jainism and Ecology, by Christopher Key Chapple, Loyola Marymount University. This essay describes the Jain perspective of protection of life and its implications for an ecological worldview

 

Climate Crisis Series - Part 1 of 3: What is Climate Crisis?

This is the first in a series of 3 questions and answers about climate change. We will begin by describing what is climate change and what is causing it. Subsequent blog articles will address why we should care about climate change, and what we can do about it.

 

Q17. What is climate change / climate crisis? And what are the reasons for climate crisis?

Climate crisis refers to a long-term change in the Earth’s climate patterns

The term “climate crisis” commonly refers to the long-lasting changes in the planet’s global climate over the past 50-100 years, including changes to temperatures, precipitation, and wind patterns. The dangerous effects of climate change are reflected in many ways, most serious of which include:

1.     Global warming - rising average temperatures (+1.5°F over the past century).

2.     Increases in intense rainfall, flooding, droughts, and more frequent and severe heat waves and forest fires. 

3.     Increasingly acidic and warming oceans, melting polar ice caps, and rising sea levels.

Humans are primarily responsible for recent climate change

The acceleration of climate change has been widely and objectively attributed by nearly all scientists to the activities of a growing population of humans. Over the past century, a rapidly growing human population has shifted into increasingly industrialized societies. Humans have gradually demanded greater amounts of energy to support materially rich lifestyles. Through the burning of fossil fuels to generate this energy, humans have released enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change is directly linked to the increased concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The effects are further worsened by deforestation, industrial processes using fossil fuels, and some agricultural practices such as factory farming and monoculture (the destructive practice of growing only one crop on giant farms). These greenhouse gases trap energy in the atmosphere and cause the Earth to heat up to levels that are dangerous to the health of the planet’s ecosystems.

Some scientists refer to this geological age as the Anthropocene epoch, in which humans, rather than geological or natural climate processes, are the dominant force shaping the planet and affecting the environment.

What are the effects of this climate change?

The effects of global warming / climate change have been widely publicized by many respected scientific, environmental, academic, and government institutions. In summary, one can say that it is having major effects on the planet and its inhabitants. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases is causing warming temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans, melting of Arctic sea ice and glaciers, rising sea levels, increasing humidity, diminishing snow cover, and other related effects. Small changes in the average temperature of the planet are translating into large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather. These changes are leading to extreme volatility in weather, more intense flooding and droughts, intense summer heat, more violent storms, loss of ecosystems and rich natural habitats, extinctions of animals, soil erosion, worsening air quality, increased disease and pestilence, freshwater shortages, food shortages, and other problems. Climate change is even considered responsible for causing forced migrations of people and heightened risks of wars. 

Why are individuals and families not doing more to stop climate change?

There are many reasons for the lack of meaningful action to stop climate change. Let’s begin with the human psychological basis for inaction. For many people, the impact of climate change may not be as top of mind or seem so gravely serious as something like the recent Covid-19 pandemic. This is because the effects of climate change are not as obviously visible or disruptive in our day-to-day lives. Unlike other very urgent and disruptive emergencies, the effects of climate change are different in three fundamental aspects:

1.     A perceived lack of timing urgency: When we are confronted with an immediate danger or mortal threat, we will react quickly. For example, when faced with an earthquake, hurricane, forest fire, flooding, or pandemics, we recognize the danger and seek shelter immediately. Ironically, some of these disasters that happen with increasing frequency are caused by climate change itself. However, we do not clearly connect climate change as a cause of such disasters. By not making this vital connection, we fail to address the root cause.

Root causes are often more difficult to perceive and treat than the resulting symptoms. Climate change is manifesting cumulatively over the past few centuries since the industrial revolution, and accelerating in the recent few decades. The human brain did not evolve to respond quickly and decisively to such a seemingly slow pace of change. When we do not perceive something as an urgent matter of life or death, our bias is to discount the threat, to “deal with it later,” and to compromise for the sake of instant gratification or short-sighted benefits.

2.     The lack of personal disruption. Climate change has a diffuse impact across geographies and socio-economic groups. The effects happen in many different and sometimes remote parts of the planet, so it may not always be visible in one’s own backyard, and it may not affect people that we know or identify with. Those who are in power and in a position to effect change may often be economically privileged and hence less impacted by climate change. Our cognitive tendency discounts things that happen far away and to people outside our immediate circles. Even when species go extinct, giant glaciers melt, or indigenous peoples are erased, it can be subconsciously dismissed as something abstract happening to someone else far away.

3.     The sense of hopelessness. Climate change is a function of the global actions of centuries of industrialization and population growth. Individuals may feel that the problem of climate change is too big to address by oneself, and that our actions will not have any meaningful impact, or that the personal and short-term sacrifices required are too great. When faced with such a seemingly impossible problem, we may feel paralyzed and resigned to inaction.

In addition to these individual factors, there are very powerful population, cultural, geo-political, and economic dynamics that make change difficult. Countries have taken different positions, but the global scale of the problem has not been met with effective global leadership and commitment to address it. Consider the following:

·        The population of humans is very large, approaching 8 billion and increasing by 74 million annually. Among mammals, humans are second only to mice and rats (but human beings have far greater adverse impact on the environment than all other species).

·        To date, politicians have been more motivated by party and national self-interests over global preservation. Political actions on climate change are often more symbolic than substantive, or considered voluntary, and rarely enforced. Furthermore, political strategies are invariably focused on winning the next election, a dynamic which causes politicians to sacrifice the distant future to gain near term advantage.

·        In the currently prevailing system of unconstrained capitalism, businesses are rewarded for short-term profit over long-term sustainability, even when it results in the exploitation of natural environment. The relentless quest for profit and growth disregards the true costs to people and environment.

·        Consumers are increasingly driven by the greed and desire for a life of comfort and pleasure. Humans are estimated to have consumed more resources in the last 50 years than the whole of humanity before us.

·        Last but not least, the age of internet technology has helped make mass communication possible and accessible. This has helped drive awareness and education about climate change. However, the technology has also enabled the spread of false information on media and online resources. This causes people to misunderstand facts. Some organizations and institutions even harness the power of the internet to purposefully spread wrong information and sabotage efforts to protect the environment.

Together, these forces have made it very challenging to address climate change with the unity, urgency, and magnitude of action that it deserves.

Despite these challenges, the good news is that that people globally are gradually becoming more aware of climate change, more accepting of human causes, and more motivated than ever before to address it.

For more information on a Jain perspective about climate change, the JAINA Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee has prepared a detailed statement. We encourage everyone to click on this link to read the Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis that has been endorsed by JAINA and also sign the declaration on Climate Change to make a public commitment to action. 

In the next installment of this series, we will discuss why climate change matters for any person, and in particular from a Jain perspective. The final article will explain what we can do to stop climate change and protect the environment.

Spiritually navigating the current COVID-19 pandemic

Q16. What is the Jain philosophy regarding such events? What can we do in the present moment? What can we learn that will help us now and in future? 

The worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had substantial impact on every aspect of our lives. There are a lot of questions on everyone's mind with the current situation. The intent of this blog is to provide the Jain philosophy to enable us to spiritually navigate this situation. We will discuss about the five samaväya, what we can do now and spiritual learning for our way forward.

Many of us might feel various emotions like stress, fear, anger, anxiety during these times of uncertainly. But we don't want to stay there too long because it reduces our spirituality and the power to do the right thing. We want to raise our spirituality and inner strength by leveraging our religious understanding, faith, and values to move to more positive emotions like compassion, peace, hope, optimism.

There are various theories that have been propounded to explain the occurrence of events. According to Jain philosophy, a situation develops, or an event happens because of five reasons operating simultaneously known as Five Samaväya.

Five Samaväya

Samaväya is the name of the group of five causes that are associated with every situation or event that occur in the universe or in our life.  It gives the connection between action and causes. Without a cause, no action can take place.  These five causes have a deep connection for all events that takes place in the universe. The events may be positive or negative. The five Samaväya are:

1.     Time (Kal)

2.     Intrinsic nature (Swabhav)

3.     Predestination (Niyati, Bhavitavyata or Honahar)

4.     Instrumental cause (Nimitta)

a.     External Nimitta – External Cause or Circumstances

b.     Internal Nimitta – Internal Cause, which is maturing our previously acquired Karma

5.     Determination, Self-Effort or Freewill (Purushartha)

The Jain philosophy views and reveals the importance of each Samaväya and this group of causes are always present when an event happens in the universe or in our life. Next, let’s understand each Samaväya in detail before looking into these factors for this COVID-19 situation.

1 - Time (Kal)

Time gives the sequence to whatever happens in universe. Time is a controlling principle and it plays an important role for all events/situations. The results of our work, consequences of our karma, situations or events do not occur before their due time. And when the time has occurred, we cannot stop the situations or events from happening.

If we sow seeds today, they do not give fruits right away. The seed cannot neglect the temporal limitation set out by time for its transformation into a tree. The Karma that are bound to the soul due to activities may not immediately manifest their fruits as soon as they are bound. The fruits of Karma appear at a specific time depending on the nature of the Karma itself.

When we understand the time factor, we learn to be patient, optimistic and hopeful.

2 - Intrinsic nature (Swabhav)

Every substance has its own intrinsic nature and that defines its characteristics, potential limitations, or potential effects. And the nature of substance is not to be confused with behavior or character traits of individuals.

Let’s look at few examples to understand the intrinsic nature - only females can get pregnant and not males, apple seeds grow apples and not oranges, certain seeds don’t sprout no matter what, humans can meditate, not animals. In matters like these, individual inherent nature plays in important role and it cannot be overlooked.

When we understand the nature factor, we have acceptance towards the effects or limitations based on intrinsic nature.

3 - Predestination (Niyati, Bhavitavyata or Honahar)

There are many words used for this concept, such as niyati, destiny, and fate. Predestination means that there are certain things that are predetermined and unalterable in this world.  In these situations, whatever has been destined will take place.  Whatever must happen keeps happening.  In this process, change cannot be made despite our best efforts. 

For example, even if we make all possible efforts, we cannot prevent the aging process or may not be able to save someone’s life. 

When we understand the predestination factor, we gracefully and peacefully accept things that are out of our control.

4 - Instrumental cause (Nimitta)

For Nimitta, there are external and internal causes and they always go together. External nimitta could be living beings, objects, situations, or events and they act as a catalyst. And internal nimitta is the fruit or consequence of our previously acquired Karma.

Let’s look at an example of an individual winning a lottery to understand the nimitta concept from both perspectives, internal and external. The lottery ticket being sold at a store is an external nimitta or a catalyst and winning a lottery is an internal nimitta or fruit of previous karma.

When we understand the external and internal nimitta causes, we know that our karmas have consequences. And external causes are just catalyst for our karma to come into action and not be blamed.

5 - Determination, Self-Effort or Freewill (Purushartha)

Purushartha or freewill is our power to choose our response in any given situation. We have a choice, no matter the situation. In that choice and self-effort, lies our opportunity to progress spiritually, improve and learn from the situation. A classic example of Purushartha is Gandhiji’s efforts towards getting independence for India.

When we understand the importance of self-effort and freewill, we can face any situation with courage, growth mindset and focus on things that we can control. Our spirituality is our response to what happens in life.

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The Jain philosophy does not look at these five causes from a single point of view, nor does it consider any one cause as the right one. It considers the collective effect as valid and whole truth. All the five causes are functioning simultaneously when any event happens in the universe or in our life.

Now, let’s look at these five Samavayas for COVID-19 situation:

1.     Time (Kal): The pandemic was to happen at this time worldwide.

2.     Intrinsic nature (Swabhav): It is intrinsic nature of a human body that it can get infected by such virus.

3.     Predestination (Niyati): It was meant to happen. It was in destiny for such pandemic to occur.

4.     Instrumental cause (Nimitta): External causes like being in proximity with someone with the virus, can act as a catalyst for our karma to come into action. And what happens to us will be based on the maturity of our previous Karma.

5.     Determination, Self-Effort or Freewill (Purushartha): Our Purushartha is our power to choose our response to this situation and that’s the only thing in our control right now. Our present efforts should be focused on what can we do now? How can we eliminate the virus? How can we come out of this stronger? How can we help those who are affected? How can we respond with compassion and kindness towards self and others?

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This pandemic is due to all the five causes, not any single cause. There are many common misconceptions about considering karma as the only cause for pandemic situation and overlooking the other samavayas. There is also a widespread notion about group karma, however, there is no mention of group karma in Jain literature. The concept of group karma cannot exist in Jainism because individuals acquires karma based on his/her intentions (bhav), the acquired karmas comes into action for those individuals, and the individual karma is self-contained and has no effect on others.

It is useful to know and understand these five causes, but from a spiritual point of view, purushartha, what we do in the present moment is of utmost importance.

Spirituality teaches that life is our response to what happens to us.  Life is not what happens to us.

Our purushartha / religion / dharma right now is to raise our spirituality such that:

·        No kashayas (anger, ego, greed, deceit) arises within us

·        We can face the situation with strength and peace

·        We don't blame anyone

·        We continue to show compassion towards ourselves, others living beings and the environment. We have been neglecting to protect and preserve our fellow living beings, environment, and natural resources. Let us change our lifestyle such that we use minimum natural resources for our healthy survival.  

·        We have the power and courage to do the right thing

·        We conduct rituals or practices with spiritual understanding

·        We trust in our inner strength and not follow anything blindly. Power and strength are within us and nowhere outside

We must not violate any guidance from CDC and government authorities to prevent spreading this virus and help ourselves and others by maintaining social distancing. We want to be part of the solution and look for opportunities to help others.

We should also focus on learning the spiritual lessons that this situation is trying to teach us in a meaningful and encouraging way.

Inner Resiliency: Along with keeping our body healthy, we also need to pay equal attention, if not more, to our mind. We need to make our minds strong and resilient. Our thoughts manifest into our physical health. Our thoughts also affect our emotional health, our relationships with others and our overall well-being. Our inner world has a direct impact into what’s happening outside.

Soul Consciousness: In today’s world when majority of our time and efforts are focused on activities oriented toward body, we need to have constant realization and awareness of who we really are. If our orientation is only body focused, and not soul focused, then it is difficult to gain persistent inner resiliency. It is important to ground ourselves to our true nature.

Impermanence - Good times and trying times are both temporary. Nothing is permanent. This situation shall pass too but the question is how and what do we want to be during this time? We want to face the situation in a way that we come out of it wiser and more spiritual than what we are today.

Happiness is within - Eliminate / reduce our dependencies for happiness on other people, things, various experience by our sensory organs. Have meaningful connection, where we can learn and grow together. We want to find happiness and joy within and not be in the mad race of do more, acquire more, become more, travel more. We don’t want our lifestyle based purely on monetary and material standards. We want to introspect the purpose and way of our life.

Our Moral Responsibility: As human race, we share this planet with other living beings, we don’t own it. We must protect our environment and natural resources. We should go back to basics - compassion for all living beings, not hoarding more than what we need and not wasting, abusing, or overusing our natural resources.

Gratitude – There is so much that we can be grateful for. Human beings often have a negative bias and we get fixated on problems/threats and overlook the good things. We should let go of greed and desires and be content, appreciate and share what we have with others.

This is a difficult and trying time for all of us. We are all faced with fear of uncertainty and grief of loss. There is so much suffering but also an opportunity to grow spiritually in unprecedented ways. Our inner transformation leads to peaceful families, communities, and overall society.