So we are nearing the end of what has been a huge month for the Climate Movement mostly because it went from a disparate number of groups to an actual global movement. Because of this I feel we should celebrate, even as we feel the dread of the very real challenges ahead. Still let’s take a moment to really enjoy and feel the goodness of what has just happened.
There is a party in NY next week. Unfortunately many of us can’t attend (love a party if there’s good dancing music!) Even so we can each celebrate what is a huge accomplishment. We can give thanks to the deeper spirit of humanity that moved so many to step out for the earth, her animals, creatures, forests and plants, and for our future generations.
In case you missed what we are celebrating, here’s a few catch ups:
Religions for the Earth Conference
Most Amazing Interfaith Service @ St John the Divine NYC
So after the party we must continue to forge forward with determination. There is no time to loose as we mobilize together to tackle the changes that need to happen. Basically this amounts to:
1. Reduce carbon emissions completely (Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry & their government subsidies. Legislate a fee for carbon use & create a dividend for most impacted peoples. Also divest from fossil fuels on massive scale)
2. Sequester existing carbon (Save and increase forests, plant high carbon absorption crops like hemp which can also replace many oil based products. Ensure ocean health)
3. Massive investment in renewable energy (Replace subsidies for fossil fuel to renewables – mobilize renewable energy as if mobilizing a war effort)
4. Re-think consumerism and reclaim the sacred within ourselves and of the earth. (While thinking along those lines, you may enjoy Elder Bing Gong’s Podcasts)
5. Shift from a meat based diet to plant based one.
More about this later, alongside specific possibilities for “what we can to do” together and how we can practice reclamation of the sacred.
Meanwhile, I invite you to join me and our great One Earth Sangha team (check out co-founder of 1ES Lou Leonard’s blog piece The March to March) and sixteen leading Dharma teachers during the month of October. Each Sunday, for an hour and a half, we have teachers input, conversation in break out groups, questions and dialog focused on the layered dimensions of life impacted by climate change. We are already well over 1000 people signed up.
So do join us dear Dharma Friends & Climate Activists as we “break bread” and “share in beloved community.” You can join in wherever you are in the world via Skype or inexpensive phone card. (EST is New York time, USA.)
To sign up and register for free, please click here onto One Earth Sangha. “See” you there!
Thanissara 