Discourse Related to Environmental Sustainability

Comments on Engagement in Social Discourse Related to Environmental Sustainability

To the American Bahá’í community

Dear Bahá’í Friends,
As we advance towards spring and the uplifting Bahá’í Festivals of Naw-Rúz and Ridván, we are afforded the opportunity to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the natural world amidst the reality of a rapidly changing climate. While policy responses to climate and the environment often follow the pendulum swing of domestic politics, the scientific consensus that human-driven climate change is taking place remains unchanged. Indeed, as measured by NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and as reported by CNN, 2024 has been documented as the warmest year on record.
Although it is not the responsibility of Bahá’í institutions to arrive at scientific or policy conclusions, including those regarding climate change, engaging in the discourses of society and undertaking social action projects for the benefit of our communities are core elements of our efforts to promote humanity’s oneness. As we strive to build havens of spiritual refuge for our society, our understanding of oneness will assuredly evolve. On a societal level, the concept of oneness implies that humanity is a single family, and that racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of prejudice are all contrary to its tenets. It has profound implications for the relationships that bind and structure society, relationships that the Universal House of Justice has described as being “characterized by cooperation and reciprocity, manifestations of the interconnectedness that governs the universe.”
For those who wish to explore the concept of oneness in interfaith spaces that address climate change, there are practical ways of taking positive action. Among the many regional and local opportunities open to the friends, you may engage with Faith Climate Action Week, expanded this year to the entire month of April, or the varied work of the Blessed Tomorrow initiative of ecoAmerica. These initiatives offer worthwhile opportunities to participate in activities that promote environmental sustainability.

Be assured of our best wishes and heartfelt prayers on your behalf.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary