Jain Voice Needed In Climate Crisis

This document, "Jain Voice Needed in Climate Crisis" by Sudhanshu Jain, argues for the critical role of the Jain community in addressing the global climate crisis. The author presents a compelling case by highlighting the severity of the crisis, the contributions of various sectors, and the inherent alignment of Jain principles with environmental stewardship.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the document's key points:

1. The Urgency and Severity of the Climate Crisis:

• Disturbing Trends: The document begins by outlining alarming climate trends, including 2014 being the hottest year on record, the increasing frequency of the warmest years occurring recently, and the significant decline in coral reefs worldwide.
• National Security Implications: It references reports from the U.S. Department of Defense and the CNA Military Advisory Board, emphasizing that global warming is not a future threat but a present reality. These reports highlight how climate change acts as a "threat multiplier," intensifying challenges like global instability, hunger, poverty, conflict, food and water shortages, pandemics, and disputes over refugees and resources.
• Mass Extinction: The document notes that humanity is in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction, with a significant loss of species predicted by 2100. It illustrates past extinction events to underscore the magnitude of the current crisis.
• Direct Impacts: It details how climate change leads to more extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves, impacting agriculture, causing heat-related deaths, and increasing the risk of invasive species and forest fires. Sea-level rise threatens displacement of millions, creating "climate refugees."
• Human Health Impacts: The document connects rising temperatures and extreme weather to a range of health issues, including injuries, fatalities, respiratory problems, mental health impacts, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
• Violence and Conflict: It presents research suggesting a correlation between hotter temperatures and increased aggression, leading to more violence and conflict.

2. The Role of Food Systems in Climate Change:

• Carbon Footprint of Food: A significant portion of the document is dedicated to illustrating the substantial greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production, particularly meat and dairy.
  • Figure 1 graphically demonstrates that lamb and beef have the highest carbon footprints per kilogram of consumed food, significantly exceeding those of vegetables like broccoli and dry beans.
  • The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report "Livestock's Long Shadow" is cited, stating that livestock generates 18% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, a figure projected to rise with increasing meat consumption in developing countries.
  • The document asserts that meat-eaters contribute significantly more to food-related greenhouse gas emissions compared to fish-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans.
• Dairy's Impact: It specifically calls out dairy consumption, noting that cheese has the third-highest carbon footprint and highlighting the cruelty involved in dairy farming, including the use of antibiotics and methane emissions.
• Personal Action through Diet: The author strongly advocates for a vegan/vegetarian diet as a critical step in reducing global warming, emphasizing that food choices have a greater impact on the planet than automobile emissions.

3. The Jain Call to Action:

• Jain Principles and Climate Action: The document argues that Jainism's core principles are intrinsically linked to addressing climate change:
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Jains should understand how their actions lead to suffering and extinctions, advocating for vegetarianism as a way to minimize Himsa. The author draws a parallel between avoiding swatting mosquitos and addressing the indirect violence of factory farming and its environmental consequences.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Greedlessness): The document connects climate destruction to greed for possessions and the pursuit of profit by industries like oil. It encourages a shift away from consumerism and a redefinition of status towards environmental consciousness.
• The Missing Jain Voice: The author expresses concern about the relative absence of a prominent Jain voice in the climate change discourse, given Jainism's strong emphasis on ecology and compassion.
• Call for Community Leadership: Jains are urged to become leading voices in advocating for vegan/vegetarian diets, promoting environmental awareness, and leading by example in protecting the planet.
• Actionable Steps for the Jain Community:
  • Temples as Models: Jain temples should embrace sustainability by building LEED Platinum structures, retrofitting with renewable energy, and providing electric vehicle charging.
  • Education: Pathshala curricula should integrate ecology and climate change education, and discussion groups should be formed to connect Jain teachings with contemporary issues for youth.
  • Investment Practices: Jain organizations and individuals should divest from fossil fuel companies.
  • Interfaith Engagement: Participation in interfaith climate initiatives is encouraged.

4. Practical Steps for Individuals:

• Reduce Carbon Footprint: The document provides a comprehensive list of personal actions to reduce one's carbon footprint:
  • Energy Efficiency: Switch to CFL or LED bulbs, put computers in sleep mode, clean refrigerator coils.
  • Water Conservation: Avoid bottled water.
  • Sustainable Transportation: Inflate car tires properly, drive and fly less.
  • Conscious Consumption: Buy less, embrace "Buy Nothing Day," think smaller in terms of housing, cars, and vacations.
  • Dietary Choices: Eat local, organic, and vegan (preferable).
  • Fair Trade: Support ethically sourced products.
  • Sharing Resources: Share tools, cars, and other items.
  • Supportive Legislation: Advocate for policies like Carbon Fee and Dividend.
  • Redefine Status: Compete to be the "greenest."

5. Addressing Climate Change Deniers and Ignorance:

• The Science is Settled: The document reinforces the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming, citing the overwhelming agreement among climate scientists and the vast body of peer-reviewed research. It debunks common denial arguments.
• Influence of Denial Campaigns: It highlights how denial campaigns, funded by vested interests, contribute to public ignorance and political inaction.
• American Attitudes: It presents survey data indicating a troubling disconnect between scientific evidence and public perception regarding the reality and severity of climate change in the United States.

6. The Impact of Climate Change on India and Specific Examples:

• India's Water Crisis: The document draws attention to India's severe water problems, including over-reliance on mined groundwater, declining water tables, and the potential for water shortages affecting millions due to glacial retreat (e.g., Gangotri Glacier).
• Syrian Drought and Conflict: It explores the potential link between drought, resource scarcity, and the Syrian civil war, illustrating how climate change can exacerbate existing social and political tensions.
• Disasters and Insurers: It references statements from insurers like Munich Re, indicating that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and costly, and are seen as strong indicators of climate change.

In essence, "Jain Voice Needed in Climate Crisis" serves as a call to arms for the Jain community. It argues that their inherent values of compassion, non-violence, and non-possession make them uniquely positioned to lead the charge in addressing the climate crisis. The document meticulously lays out the scientific evidence for climate change, its profound consequences, and the critical role of dietary and lifestyle choices, urging Jains to translate their principles into tangible environmental action and advocacy.