Embracing Ecodharma: How Buddhist Philosophy Meets Environmental Activism

January 7, 2024 / activist360

David Robert Loy: A Visionary

In this enlightening interview, we sit down with David Robert Loy, a renowned professor of Buddhist and comparative philosophy and an acclaimed Zen teacher in the Sanbo-Zen tradition. David shares his profound insights on the intersection of Buddhism and modern ecological challenges, introducing the concept of Ecodharma.

Throughout the interview, David eloquently speaks on topics such as healing ecology, the parallels between Buddhist teachings and environmental challenges, and the significance of nonattachment in activism. His thoughts on how Buddhism and Ecodharma can contribute to a deeper understanding and resolution of environmental issues are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Merging Spiritual Insight with Environmental Action

David’s journey from anti-war activism to a deep engagement with Buddhist philosophy and his contributions to various organizations, including as a co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center (RMERC), highlight the breadth of his experience and expertise.

His profound teachings, encapsulated in works like “Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis,” have resonated in major journals worldwide, underlining the urgency of integrating spirituality with environmental activism.

Ecodharma is a compelling response to the ecological challenges we face, extending the profound teachings of Buddhism to deepen our connection with the Earth. David underscores the importance of Buddhist principles in understanding and resolving environmental issues, an understanding vital for grappling with climate change and fostering sustainable living.

When asked if there were figures within or outside of Buddhism that have particularly inspired his approach to Ecodharma, David referenced being influenced by Joanna Macy of Berkeley, California, the grandmother of the whole Ecodharma movement, and called attention to her writings.

The Power of Nonduality and Nonattachment in Environmental Activism

Central to his teachings is the Buddhist principle of nonduality. This concept challenges the traditional view of separation between individuals and the natural world, highlighting this separation as a fundamental cause of environmental degradation. David argues that acknowledging our integral connection with the Earth is key to effective ecological solutions.

Additionally, David highlights the Buddhist teaching of nonattachment to outcomes. This principle is crucial for environmental activists and practitioners, helping them stay resilient and motivated, even amidst slow or uncertain progress in ecological conservation.

A Future Vision: Spiritual Traditions Reorienting to Protect Nature

Looking to the future, David envisions a shift in spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, to prioritize and safeguard our natural environment. This transformative vision calls for transcending our limited perceptions and embracing a more profound interconnectedness with nature.

This conversation is not only a must-watch for those interested in Buddhism and environmental activism but also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our connection with the world around us. David Robert Loy’s insights offer a powerful and timely contribution to the conversation on spirituality and environmental activism. His perspective opens up new avenues for integrating Buddhist practices into modern environmental discourse and action, making a significant impact on how we approach ecological challenges.

State of Climate Action 2023: A Call for Urgent, Transformative Change

November 19, 2023 / activist360

The cover of the State of Climate Action 2023 report, featuring global climate targets and urgent action steps. — *State of Climate Action 2023 cover*

The State of Climate Action 2023 provides the world’s most comprehensive roadmap of how to close the gap in climate action across sectors to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This pivotal report aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C by accelerating efforts across various sectors, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate and scaled-up action.

Understanding the Global Stocktake

Central to the report’s timing is the final phase of the Global Stocktake, a crucial process under the Paris Agreement. The Global Stocktake is a systematic review conducted every five years to assess collective progress toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and provide necessary support to developing countries. The outcomes of the Global Stocktake are pivotal in informing and enhancing international climate action, ensuring that the global response to climate change remains on track and is continuously improved upon.

Global Stocktake and the Roadmap Ahead

Published in anticipation of the Global Stocktake’s final phase, the State of Climate Action 2023 report provides actionable insights, translating the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature limit into tangible 2030 and 2050 targets. These targets encompass sectors responsible for approximately 85% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including power, buildings, industry, transport, forests, land, food, agriculture, technological carbon removal, and climate finance.

Assessment of Current Progress

A sobering reality check, the report reveals that the current pace of progress towards 1.5°C-aligned targets is alarmingly inadequate. Except for the sales of electric passenger cars, every other indicator is lagging significantly, underscoring the urgent need for acceleration in climate action.

Key Findings: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Setbacks

The analysis of 42 indicators shows a glaring shortfall in achieving the 2030 targets. More than half of these indicators are far off course, demanding at least a twofold increase in efforts this decade. Particularly concerning are areas such as public financing for fossil fuels, deforestation, and carbon pricing systems, which have regressed significantly.

State of Climate Action 2023 visual overview

Bright Spots Amidst Challenges

Despite the grim findings, there are glimmers of hope. The exponential growth in electric vehicle sales over the past five years marks a significant stride towards the 2030 target. Similarly, promising developments in mandatory corporate climate risk disclosure, sales of electric trucks, and the share of EVs in passenger car fleets offer optimism.

The Urgent Need for Accelerated Action

To align with the 2030 targets, drastic escalations are required across all sectors. This includes:

Increase growth in solar and wind power. The share of these two technologies in electricity generation needs to reach 24 percent, from an annual average of 14 percent, to get on track for 2030.
A sevenfold acceleration in phasing out coal in electricity generation. This is equivalent to retiring roughly 240 average-sized coal-fired power plants each year through 2030. However, the continued build-out of coal-fired power will increase the number of plants that need to be shuttered in the coming years.
A sixfold expansion in rapid transit infrastructure coverage. This is equivalent to constructing public transit systems roughly three times the size of New York City’s network of subway rails, bus lanes, and light-rail tracks each year throughout this decade.
The annual rate of deforestation — equivalent to deforesting 15 football (soccer) fields per minute in 2022 — needs to be reduced fourfold over this decade.
An eightfold increase in the shift to healthier, more sustainable diets. This involves lowering per capita consumption of meat from cows, goats, and sheep to approximately two servings per week or less across high-consuming regions (the Americas, Europe, and Oceania) by 2030.

Conclusion: An Urgent Call for Transformative Change

The State of Climate Action 2023 Action 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the immense work ahead. With only a single indicator on track for its 2030 target, the report underscores the need for immediate, transformative changes in every sector. This decisive moment calls for governments, corporations, and individuals to embrace systemic changes, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

California’s New Greenhouse Gas Reporting Laws: A Higher Standard

October 15, 2023 / activist360

Oil and gas field — BLM California manages nearly 600 producing oil and gas leases covering more than 200,000 acres and 7,900 usable wells. More: Between 80% and 90% of all surface-disturbing activities related to oil and gas activities occur in the San Joaquin Valley on public lands administered by Central California District, Bakersfield Field Office. More than 95% of all Federal drilling occurs in established fields within the Kern County area of the San Joaquin Valley.

The oil and gas program in California is one of the more active in all of the western states, with 2013 onshore oil production figures ranking the State as the 3rd most productive state in the United States. In 2012, California was ranked as the 13th most productive natural gas-producing state. BLM California is responsible for managing one of the most productive individual onshore leases in the lower 48 states, and four of the nation’s top seven producing oil fields are located in Kern County. As a general rule, California’s Federal production totals average approximately 8%-10% of California’s total oil and natural gas production. Original public domain image from Flickr

On October 7, California took a bold step in combatting climate change. Governor Gavin Newsom signed two pioneering bills, SB-253 and SB-261, that not only bolster greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting but also mandate prominent companies to unveil their climate-related financial risks. What makes this move especially notable is its scope; even exceeding the requirements set by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2022.

What Does SB-253 Entail?

Companies with annual revenues surpassing $1 billion in California will now be obligated to disclose their GHG emissions each year. By 2026, both direct and indirect emissions fall under this mandate. And come 2027, the requirements will be even more stringent. However, there’s a bit of leniency; companies that report scope 3 emissions, which are notoriously challenging to quantify, will face milder penalties provided they report in a genuine effort. The stakes are high; failure to comply can result in fines of up to $500,000 per year. However, to keep things in perspective, $500,000 is a mere 0.0083% of Chevron’s net income of $6.01B.

The Significance of SB-261

Marking a debut at the state level, SB-261 makes it compulsory for businesses with yearly earnings exceeding $500 million to publicly disclose their climate-related financial threats and preventive measures. This requirement kicks off on January 1, 2026, with non-compliance potentially costing companies up to $50,000 annually.

Who’s in Charge?

The responsibility of implementing these groundbreaking laws rests with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). They’re set to engage in rule-making processes in 2024 and will actively seek input from concerned stakeholders. Yet, the path might not be smooth; legal challenges are anticipated, suggesting that the future of these laws may be determined in court.

The Implications for Big Players

Corporate giants in California, such as Chevron and Apple, now find themselves under the spotlight. They need to account for broader emission sources, which include aspects like supply chains and product usage. And with these rigorous Californian regulations, the state is setting a precedent, outpacing both federal and state norms. Furthermore, global powerhouses like Apple and Microsoft are gearing up for these disclosures. While California stands strong with its firm economic position, its guidelines prove more demanding than those at the U.S. federal level.

The Bigger Picture

While reporting scope 3 emissions might be complex, it underscores vital areas of transformation. When companies consistently and transparently disclose their emissions, it can catalyze real climate action. As a testament to this, the U.K.’s emission disclosure rule led to a noteworthy 8% reduction in corporate emissions.