Timeline of Baha'i-associated Events and Environment

By admin, 19 December, 2011

Author

Peter Adriance

Year

2011

Dates	Selected Bahá'í-Associated Events and Activities	Selected External Events
EARLY PERIOD (the roots of the tree, 1800s to 1970)
Late 1800’s	Bahá'u'lláh spurs restoration of aqueduct for water supply to Acre. Abdu’l-Baha creates Ridvan Garden for Bahá'u'lláh’s enjoyment with help of plants brought by pilgrims	1880 World Population = 1.4 billion 1892 Sierra Club founded
Early 1900s	Ábdu'l-Bahá averts famine in Palestine by encouraging agriculture and storage of grain. Receives knighthood (KBE).	1914-18 World War I
Early to mid 1900s	Shoghi Effendi, after assuming position of Guardian, retreats to mountains of Switzerland for physical and spiritual renewal. Shoghi Effendi designs gardens around shrines in Holy land. 1924 Richard St. Barbe Baker (RBB) forms ‘Men of the Trees’ (later: International Tree Foundation). 1929 Shoghi Effendi becomes first lifetime member of Men of the Trees. ‘30’s RBB launches Save the Redwoods campaign in CA (12,000 acre reserve established in perpetuity); he inspires Roosevelt to create Civilian Conservation Corps. 1933 Letter written on behalf of Guardian describes relationship between inner and outer environments. ¹	‘29 Stock Market Crash followed by ‘30s Great Depression
Mid 1900s	1945-70’s RBB organizes annual World Forestry Charter Gatherings; for years they are opened with short message from Shoghi Effendi 1950s after 25,000 mile expedition around Sahara, RBB leads expedition to reclaim the Sahara Desert by strategic planting of trees. 1960s RBB works to divert highway saving more CA redwoods; (at urging of UHJ, US NSA writes letter of support to govt. officials).	’39-’45 World War II ’52 great London Smog kills thousands ‘62 – Silent Spring (Rachel Carson) focuses on global impact of toxic chemicals
MIDDLE PERIOD (the trunk of the tree 1970-2009?))
1970s	’72 Baha'i International Community (BIC) sends 2 representatives to UN Conference on the Human Environment. BIC circulates statement: The Environment and Human Values: a Bahá'í View ’74 BIC begins formal affiliation with UNEP; appoints rep. in Nairobi	’70 World population = 3.7 billion ‘70 First Earth Day observed by millions in US; spurs landmark environmental legislation. ‘72 UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm)
1980s	’85 BIC formalizes its relationship with UNEP ’87 Baha’is are sixth religion to join Network on Religion and Conservation, issue Baha’i Statement on Nature. ’88 Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society by Robt. White, first published.² ’89 BIC opens Office of the Environment in NY ‘89 Ridvan Messageencourages environmental conservation in Bahá'í community³ ‘89 BIC reinstitutes World Forestry Charter Gathering on centenary of RBB’s birth	’84 Union Carbide gas leak, Bhopal, India; 10,000 killed, many more injured ’86 Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion exposes 100s of thousands to high levels radiation ’86 five major religions meet on environment in Assisi, form Network on Religion and Conservation (NRC) ’88 Sikhs and Jains join NRC
1990’s	’90 Ridvan Message reports on Office of Environment achievements ⁴ ’90 BIC begins preparations for ’92 Rio Earth Summit. Issues 2 statements at related meetings: Environment and Development(Aug, PC 1, Geneva); World Conservation Strategy for the 1990’s (Nov, IUCN Gen’l Assembly,Perth) '90 US NSA NGO Liaison meets with 120 organizations; helps form Citizens Network for Sustainable Development (CitNet) to prepare collectively for Rio Earth Summit. Serves as CitNet Secretary; Co-chair of Working Group on Ethics (WGE) (to draft input for Earth Charter, 1 of 5 anticipated outcomes of Summit). ’90 Research Dept. of the UHJ releases Conservation of the Earth’s Resources, a compilation of quotes from the Sacred Writings on environment. ’90 Unless and Until: a Bahá'í Focus on the Environment, is published.⁵ It is an excellent primer on Bahá’í views on the environment, by Arthur Dahl ’91 BIC releases several statements at meetings preparing for Rio Earth Summit: Earth Charter (Apr, PC2, Geneva); International Legislation For Environment and Development (Aug, PC3, Geneva); Women and Men: Partnership for a Healthy Planet (Nov, at the World Women’s Congress for a Healthy Planet, Miami) ’92 (Mar, NYC, PC4) The Earth Charter/ Rio Declaration and the Oneness of Humanity ’92 (Jun, Rio de Janeiro) BIC participates in Rio Earth Summit. Reads statement in Plenary: Sustainable Development and the Human Spirit; dedicates Peace Monument; publishes book of children’s art; helps facilitate drafting of NGO treaty on an Earth Charter. ’93 At first meeting of UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), BIC releases World Citizenship: a Global Ethic for Sustainable Development, which continues to circulate widely throughout ‘90s. ‘94 second World Forestry Charter Gathering hosted by BIC in St. James Palace, London - followed up on forest issues raised at 1992 Earth Summit; honored Bahá'í commitments to environment. ’94 World Order Magazine (25)4 publishes, Toward a New Environmental Stewardship, by Michael Karlberg ’95 Baha’is participate in Summit of the Alliance on Religions and Conservation (Windsor Castle, UK). Network of Religions and Conservation becomes Alliance on Religions and Conservation (ARC), commits to further acts of conservation. Bahá'ís release paper, Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Baha’i Faith outlining key principles and actions taken to date. ’96 Bahá'ís participate in Habitat II (Istanbul); statement: Sustainable Communities in an Integrating World ’97 Bahá'ís participate in drafting Benchmark I of the Earth Charter released at Earth Summit+5 ’97 The International Environment Forum (IEF) holds its first annual conference (Netherlands) 26 express desire to become members⁶ ’98 (Netherlands) 2nd annual IEF conference. Explores Bahá'í contributions on Earth Charter Benchmark Draft I and makes recommendations to drafters.	’92 (Jun, Rio) 117 heads of state and thousands of others attend UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) or “Earth Summit”; outcomes include Agenda21, ‘blueprint’ for sustainable development. ’92 Convention on Climate Change sets non-binding CO₂ reduction goals. ’93 First meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development ’95 IPCC report concludes there is a, “discernible human influence on global climate “ ’95 4th UN Conference on Women, Beijing 1994-2000 Earth Charter initiative drafting process revived by the Earth Council and Green Cross Int’l. ’97 Earth Summit+5 conference (in Rio) reviews progress on ’92 commitments; releases Benchmark I draft of the Earth Charter. ’97 the Kyoto Protocol strengthens the ’92 Convention on Climate Change, but its controversial emissions trading scheme and debates on the role of developing countries cloud its future.
2000’s	’00 A BIC representative speaks at the official launch of the Earth Charter in the Hague, in support of its goals⁷. ’00 Peace Monument receives final earth samples, donations are from nearly 150 countries. ’01 BIC participates in preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). Statement circulated and delivered orally at PC1, NYC: Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension ’02 BIC delegation to the WSSD stresses ethics and spiritual dimension of sustainable development. The Baha'i statement, Religion and Development at the Crossroads: Convergence or Divergence is circulated widely ⁸ ’02 IEF, accredited to WSSD as a scientific and technical organization, holds its 6^th annual conference in a series of parallel events at the summit. ’03 In response to the announcement of a UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) 100 organizations meet in Washington and form the US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development (US Partnership). A US Baha'i representative works with others to organize Partnership’s Faith Sector team. ’05 IEF sponsors an online course on “Sustainable Development and the Prosperity of Humankind” through the Wilmette Institute. Due to its popularity it is repeated in ’06, ’07, ’09, and ’11. ’05 BIC holds a side event at CSD-15 on the Ethical Dimensions of Climate Change effectively opening for the first time at the UN the discourse on this topic. ’05 IEF and the US NSA co-sponsor a seminar in Orlando, Florida on “Education for Sustainable Development: the Spiritual Dimension”. Participants come from 9 countries on 4 continents. ’06 US Partnership legally incorporates. Baha'i representative serves on its board of directors and later becomes secretary. US NSA donates funds to help support its operations. ‘06 IEF holds 10^th annual conference in Oxford, UK on “Science, Faith and Global Warming.” IEF now has 171 voting members from 47 countries ’07 The Baha’i World 2005-2006, includes an article by Arthur Dahl, “Climate Change and its Ethical Challenges” ‘07 IEF holds its 11^th annual conference in Ottawa, Canada – “Responding to Climate Change: Scientific Realities, Spiritual Imperatives” co-sponsored by the NSA of Canada and in collaboration with other organizations. ’08 NSA of Canada sends letter to the community reporting on the IEF conference, encourages climate awareness and action⁹. The community response is positive and varied. ’08 BIC produces working paper: “Seizing the Opportunity: Redefining the challenge of climate change”; sends small delegation to climate talks in Poznan, Poland (COP-14) ’08 Orlando SED conference holds three hour plenary on Climate Change.¹⁰ ’09 BIC signs Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change ’09 In cooperation with ARC and UNDP, BIC joins other religions in pledging 7 year plans for generational change – to address climate change. Baha'i plan stresses institute process, particularly engaging junior youth, to inspire acts of service. ’09 IEF holds 13^th annual conference on theme, “Environments” with Assn. for Baha'i Studies in Washington, DC. IEF now has 230 voting members from 54 countries. ’09 BIC leads delegation of 21 at COP15 climate talks in Copenhagen ’09 IEF posts online course on the Scientific and Spiritual Dimensions of Climate Change which is taken by groups around the world. (Course is updated in 2011) ’09 Berkshire Publishing publishes a 9-volume “Encyclopedia of Sustainability”. The volume, “Spirit of Sustainability” includes an article, Sustainability and the Baha'i Faith, by Michael Karlberg.	’00 World population = 6 billion ’00 Earth Charter launched (the Hague) ’02 Some 3250 Sq. Km of Antarctica’s Larsen B ice shelf collapse due to warming. ’02 104 leaders and thousands of delegates meet at World Summit on Sustainable Development (Jo’burg) ’03 Heat wave in Europe kills more than 30,000 ’04 Indian Ocean Tsunami is deadliest natural disaster in recorded history ’05 UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development begins ’05 Kyoto Protocol enters into force ’05 Hurricane Katrina wreaks catastrophic damage along US gulf coast. ’07 China overtakes the US as biggest greenhouse gas emitter ’07 Gore and the IPCC win Nobel Peace Prize for their work on climate change
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (leaves and branches of the tree, 2010+)
2010’s	’10 Brilliant Star Magazine, published by the USNSA wins APEX Award for Green Writing; over several years publishes several issues in observance of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-14). ’10 US NSA writes to American Baha'i community encouraging environmental stewardship, reflection and action on climate change. ¹¹ ‘10 – BIC hosts well attended CSD-18 side event: Rethinking Prosperity – Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism based on BIC statement of same name ¹² Ridvan 2010 Message emphasizes dynamic relationship between involvement in discourses of society and social action, including in areas such as “climate change and the environment”¹³ ’10 and ’11 special courses on Environmental Stewardship and Justice are held at three US Baha'i permanent schools. Aimed primarily at Junior Youth, and some at adults, they foster a deeper connection with both the “Written Book” and “Book of Creation,” build awareness of social issues, and aim to inspire acts of service in the community. ‘11 US NSA writes to the American Baha'i community listing recent actions many have taken to foster environmental stewardship in the community, and encouraging participation in Interfaith Power and Light’s annual “Preach-in on Global Warming”, for which, materials are made available for three core activities: devotional gatherings, children’s classes, and Junior Youth groups on the theme of environmental stewardship and justice. They are later posted on the IEF website. The community responds with enthusiasm, although a few protest involvement in the topic of climate change. ’11 BIC and IEF representatives at 64^th UNDPI/NGO conference in Bonn collaborate to host workshops, contribute toward drafting sessions, and participate in other events in preparation for Rio+20. They host a dinner with a small group of experts to discuss importance of ‘elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty’ in the context of the “green economy” – a Rio+20 theme.¹⁴ ’11 Canadian NSA joins other religious leaders in drafting an Interfaith Call for Climate Action. ’11 a representative of the USNSA endorses a “Statement of Our Nation’s Moral Obligation to Address Climate Change”. After release on Capitol Hill, the statement is delivered to the Administration and all members of Congress. ’11 Convened by ARC in association with WWF, all religions join to form Green Pilgrimage Network. Baha’is take part, make their pledge to green pilgrimages ’11 IEF holds its 15^th annual conference in Australia on Ethical Responses to Climate Change. There are now 297 voting members from 56 countries.	’11 World population = 7 billion ’11 Arctic summer sea ice hits an all-time low ’11 climate talks resume at COP-17, Durban, South Africa

1^* "We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions." (Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 1933)

2^* Journal of Bahá'í Studies, Vol. 7, number 2, 1988. This document was reprinted in different forms and distributed widely by the BIC throughout the ‘90s.

3^* “...assisting in endeavours to conserve the environment in ways which blend with the rhythm of life of our community must assume more importance in Bahá'í activities.” (UHJ, Ridvan 1989)

4^* “Through the newly established Office of the Environment, the Bahá'í International Community, on its own initiative and in collaboration with other environmental organizations, re-instituted the annual World Forestry Charter Gathering founded in 1945 by the renowned Richard St. Barbe Baker; since then the Office of the Environment has been invited to participate in important events sponsored by international organizations concerned with environmental questions.” (UHJ, Ridvan 1990)

5^* No longer in print. Used copies may be available. Link is review of book.

6^* A full list of IEF conferences and seminars can be found here. Only key selected conferences are listed in this chart. A general brochure describing IEF can be found here

7^* The Bahá'í position on the Charter, determined later that year, is captured in this sentence: "While not officially endorsing the Earth Charter, the Baha'i International Community considers the effort toward drafting it and activities in support of its essential objectives to be highly commendable, and it will continue to participate in related activities, such as conferences, forums and the like." (From Wikipedia entry on the Earth Charter.)

8^* Baha’I delegation to the WSSD is comprised of 21 individuals from six sister organizations: BIC; NSAs of Canada, Brazil, S. Africa; IEF and the European Baha'i Business Forum (EBBF). They participate in events in three areas: the official negotiating sessions; the civil society forum; and Ubuntu Village (a meeting ground between the two). They manage two exhibits and a press liaison office. More than 70 Baha’i’s from surrounding communities provide hospitality and logistical support.

9^* The Canadian NSA letter notes, “Far from distracting from the processes of growth underway in Canada, attention to environmental practices that respect the earth and the oneness of its inhabitants must support and sustain them. Thus, small initiatives should be undertaken to gradually increase consciousness of our “ecological footprint” and develop capacity for responsible action that responds to the challenges of global climate change.”

10^* At the 2008 Baha'i Conference on Social and Economic Development in Orlando, Florida, on 19-21 December 2008, the theme was sustainable development. The whole Saturday morning was devoted to climate change and its multiple dimensions, chaired by IEF board member Peter Adriance, and including IEF members Arthur Dahl, Halldor Thorgeirsson and Duncan Hanks, and Baha'i International Community representative Tahirih Naylor-Thimm.

11^* The letter encourages Baha’is to “incorporate greater awareness of the environment in your community life and core activities.” It notes, “Materials will be developed to facilitate this study, but many resources, both Bahá'í-inspired and others, are already available.” Baha'i resources include IEF and the NSA websites.

12^* The statement became a focus of study at the NGO orientation for CSD-18 and was used to shape collective NGO oral statement in opening plenary.

13^* “At the level of the cluster, involvement in public discourse can range from an act as simple as introducing Bahá’í ideas into everyday conversation to more formal activities such as the preparation of articles and attendance at gatherings, dedicated to themes of social concern—climate change and the environment, governance and human rights, to mention a few.” (UHJ, para. 30, Ridvan 2010)

14^* The facilitated dinner discussion is a first attempt to find alternate ways of advancing a key discourse than through a traditional side event. It is deemed very successful by all participants (8 Baha’is and 8 guests), and will be tried again in different venues.

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