Buddhism and the Environment

Although the Buddha did not teach about the environment itself, his foundational teachings do provide a basis for Buddhist environmentalism. His doctrine of interdependent origination, for example, states that all things exist as aspects of a single, all-inclusive web of interdependent phenomena.

At a major conference held in Assisi, Italy, in 1986, representatives of the world’s religions made declarations about their commitment to the health of the environment. According to the Buddhist declaration, Buddhism’s emphases on compassion and nonviolence make it a religion that “attaches great importance to wildlife and the protection of the environment on which every being in this world depends for survival.”⁴ Several months prior to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and other Buddhist leaders signed a “Buddhist Climate Change Statement to World Leaders” in which they urged world leaders to use wisdom and compassion to come to an agreement on actions that will preserve a healthy environment.

In order to work with others in achieving this goal, Buddhists have created numerous environmental organizations. These include One Earth Sangha, Dharma Action Network for

Climate Engagement, Global Buddhist Climate Action, the International Network of Engaged Buddhists, and the Green Sangha. In addition, talks and programs sponsored by Buddhist temples, meditation centers, and other groups are encouraging their members to take an active role in addressing threats to the environment.

Prime Minister Abhisit offers Kathina robes to monks at a 2010 Kathina ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.