[EcoDharma] Humanity's Deeper Effects on Climate

[johns]

Given that Buddhism teaches the interconnectedness of all things, I have had a recurring thought. Not being dismissive of the effects of gas and chemical emissions on climate, but what if there is an even more insidious influence by humanity? What if nature is reflecting the rising anger (temperature) of humanity, the rising of violence, the consciousness of so many being "out of sync" with that which is around them? Perhaps out efforts to better ourselves, which can hopefully influence and help other sentient beings, will also help stabilize the climate and our world. (while, of course, getting emissions and pollutants under control).

Gassho,

John

SatToday

[Kokuu]

Hi John

I think there is definitely a link between people's emotions and what they do. However, in terms of causality I am pretty much a hard science guy and like graphs and evidence!

Understanding and changing our minds definitely seems to me to be a huge part of the solution, though, in whatever way that manifests.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Doshin]

Hi John

I think there is definitely a link between people's emotions and what they do. However, in terms of causality I am pretty much a hard science guy and like graphs and evidence!

Understanding and changing our minds definitely seems to me to be a huge part of the solution, though, in whatever way that manifests.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

Like Kokuu, I spent my life in the sciences so I share his perspective. However I do believe ignorance and greed (emotions all too common) are drivers of the challenges we face.

Doshin
St

Doshin
St

[Guest]

I’d not expect a direct causal relationship, that makes zero sense except on an emotional level, but I’m more the rational type.

Anxiety and fear breed anger, and a sense of hopelessness at the situation we find ourselves in, looking for an ‘other’ to blame and lash out at, to alleviate negative feelings by blaming and punishing someone else. Perhaps they why we still like to ‘crucify’ people we deem to have broken some taboo?

I don’t have an answer (I’m actively looking for them), but on a human, day to day level, a little metta can’t hurt.

Sattday

Dan