Baha’i Perspectives for Public Discourse on Climate Change
Here is an overview of the most relevant Baha’i teachings that can be applied in the discourse about climate change and the environment in general, from informal conversations to presentations at all levels. It contains links to resources for the specific topics.
Some spiritual teachings have been emphasized in the wider interfaith community, and Baha’is can support and contribute to their message. These are especially:
Stewardship of creation
Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. - Bahá'u'lláh
Know thou that every created thing is a sign of the revelation of God. - Baha'u'llah
When we see plants and animals, even rocks and mountains with glaciers as signs of the revelation of God, we can see the beauty and love of God reflected in them. Our love for God’s creation is a strong motivation to protect it.
More on that topic here, especially Section 1 Stewardship of the Earth.
Climate justice
Climate change raises many issues of justice. The rich people of the world have contributed most of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that drive global warming while the people suffering first and the most from the harmful impacts of climate change are poor people, subsistence farmers, women, and Indigenous peoples. Climate change will affect our children and future generations the most. Therefore, it is also an issue of inter-generational justice. Further issues of justice arise in the transition toward a fossil fuel free economy such as with assisting/compensating for the loss of jobs/employment.
No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it. - Baha'u'llah
The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity … - Baha'u'llah
Social justice implies rewarding environmentally responsible actions and discouraging harmful behavior with strong environmental laws.
More on that topic here, Section 2: Various Aspects of Justice
Some Baha’i teachings are new in religious history and are very helpful to address the climate crisis:
Valuing both science and religion
We need the science of climate change to explain what is happening to the planet, for example, why glaciers are melting so fast, why sea levels have been rising, and why extreme weather conditions like heat waves, droughts, floods, and stronger storms have been increasing. Science and technology can also propose solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, the choice of solutions involves value judgments that are beyond the realm of science. Religion can provide the value system necessary for making decisions including climate-change policy.
More on the topic of Science and Religion here.
Interconnectedness of all things
In our physical existence, we humans are utterly dependent on nature, on clean air, water, and soil, on a stable climate, on the diversity of plants and animals, and on healthy ecosystems.
For Baha’i texts and materials about the interconnectedness of all life and human relationship to the natural world, go here (especially Section 3: Interconnectedness and Interdependence in Nature).
The Oneness of Humankind
Any effective climate action requires a strong commitment to the well-being of all of humankind. The progress in international climate change negotiations has been so slow because of nationalism and vested interests.
The welfare of any segment of humanity is inextricably bound up with the welfare of the whole. Humanity's collective life suffers when any one group thinks of its own well-being in isolation from that of its neighbours or pursues economic gain without regard for how the natural environment, which provides sustenance for all, is affected. - The Universal House of Justice
The Oneness of Humankind is the central topic of Public Discourse by the Baha’i International Community (see its statements). An easy-to-read overview is here, Section 1: The Oneness of Humankind
Eradication of the Extremes of Wealth and Poverty
The current global economic order is based on the exploitation of humans and of nature; it causes social inequities as well as climate change and other environmental problems. Poverty alleviation is a central teaching in all religions including the Baha’i Faith. This is also an important topic in Laudato Si’, the statement by Pope Francis about climate change. The Baha’i teachings to limit wealth, such as with very progressive taxes and a share of capital accumulation (Ḥuqúqu’lláh), are new in religious history, and they are important to address climate change because extreme wealth allows for wasteful lifestyles, and most financial investments today drive environmentally destructive projects.
More on that topic is here, Section 3: Eradication of the Extremes of Wealth and Poverty
Spirituality as Opposed to Materialism
Materialism is the root cause of greed, over-consumption, injustice and the destruction of the environment. A spiritual outlook can help us shift human desire away from consumption toward well-being and a meaningful life. Abandoning a materialistic world view and its devastating manifestation in consumerism is at the heart of climate change mitigation.
More on that topic is here, Section 4: Spirituality as Opposed to Materialism
Moderation
Moderation is the practical implementation of spiritual development and of the abandonment of materialism. In many countries, people are living beyond the means of our Earth. If everyone lived like the average North American, for example, we would need the resources of five planets. We must learn to live within the limits of one planet. In a sustainable world, society's demand on nature is in balance with nature's capacity to meet that demand. Baha’u’llah explicitly admonishes humanity to apply moderation in civilization and even points out that this is a matter of justice:
Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation. The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. … If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation. … The day is approaching when its flame will devour the cities. … - Baha'u'llah
More on that topic is here, Section 5: Moderation
Global Governance
Climate change is a global problem and must be addressed on that level. A world order whose goal is to ensure the rights and well-being of all individuals and countries of the world must include global institutions and laws to mitigate global warming and implement effective measures to help economically poor people and countries adapt to the already unavoidable impacts of present and future climate changes. Shoghi Effendi wrote already in 1936: The anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is moving towards a climax. A world, growing to maturity, must abandon this fetish, recognize the oneness and wholeness of human relationships, and establish once for all the machinery that can best incarnate this fundamental principle of its life.
More on that topic is here, Section 2: The Need for a World Federal System
Decentralization
Decentralization is an environmental necessity, especially for the food and energy systems. Wind, solar and geothermal energy are used best in the area where they are produced. The Bahá'à concept of a global order "repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity..." - The Universal House of Justice
More on that topic is here, Section 3: Decentralization and Empowerment at the Grassroots
Participation of the Local Population, especially Indigenous People
People at the grass roots need to have a voice in the decisions that will affect their lives. Minorities and indigenous people must be especially empowered to take part in all plans for sustainable development. Development projects have proven to be much more beneficial if the knowledge and experience of the local population are incorporated. The world-wide Baha’i educational efforts with children, youth, and adults aim to build capacity for the active participation of all segments of society in social action.
More on that topic is here, Section 4: Participation of the Local Population, especially Indigenous People
The Empowerment of Women
Women are disproportionately more affected by the impacts of climate change. Their lives are also severely impacted by increasing water scarcity and diseases like malaria that are spreading to new areas because of climate change, and they are much more vulnerable at times of disasters. At the same time, women have proven to be leaders in working for the health and well-being of their families and communities. Experience has shown already that the participation of women in climate change mitigation efforts is vital and that development projects work better where women are fully involved in decision-making.
More on that topic is here, Section 5: The Empowerment of Women
Consultation
Consultation, the Baha’i method for decision-making, is a helpful tool for unified and effective climate action. With this method of consultation, participants learn to listen to other points of view, to detach from their own agendas, and to support a course of action decided by the group for the well-being of the greater good.
More on that topic is here, Section 6: Consultation
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is the foundation of social cohesion and essential to eradicate corruption. Corruption greatly contributes to environmental destruction and climate change by causing illegal deforestation and industrial pollution, and by vested interests lobbying governments for deregulation of environmental laws. Big corporations are increasingly “greenwashing” their activities, which means giving them the appearance of being environmentally responsible while they are in fact destructive.
More on that topic is here, Section 7: Trustworthiness – an Antidote for Corruption
Resources
Statements by the Baha’i International Community
A Governance Befitting: Humanity and the Path Toward a Just Global Order (2020)
Embracing Interdependence: Foundations for a World in Transition (2024)
The website of the Baha’i-inspired International Environment Forum contains all the resources on Baha’i teachings and actions regarding the environment including links to BIC statements and compilations of Baha’i quotations. Here are two pages that may be most helpful:
Resources on Environment and Sustainable Development
Resources and Materials on Climate Change
Last updated 29 December 2024