Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday suggested the international community for a shift of the discourse on “climate change to climate justice.” Stressing his point Modi said climate change is a pressing global challenge and the poor people were the most adversely affected by it.
“Climate change is a pressing global challenge. It calls for a collective human action and a comprehensive response. In India, faith and nature have had a deep link since ancient times. Buddhism and environment are deeply co-related,” said Modi while speaking at Samvad-Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative on Conflict Avoidance and Environment Consciousness.
Asserting that tackling climate change needs collective human action, Modi said environmental consciousness is deeply rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism and with its well-defined treatises on Mother Earth, both the religions can help examine the changes in approach that needs to be made.
“In my view, the most adversely affected by climate change are the poor and the downtrodden. When a natural disaster strikes, they are hit the hardest. When there are floods, they are rendered homeless.
During a quake, their homes are destroyed. We can’t let climate change keep affecting people in this manner. Which is why I believe the discourse must shift focus from climate change to climate justice,” Modi said.
The PM pointed out that he has shared these views in his book Convenient Action
which was released by the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. “Personally, it is my reading of Vedic literature that educated me about the strong bond between humans and Mother Nature. We are all aware of Mahatma Gandhi’s Doctrine of Trusteeship,” said Modi.
“In this context, I want to say that we, the present generation, have the responsibility to act as a trustee of the rich natural wealth for the future generations. The issue is not merely about climate change; it is about climate justice. Again I repeat it is not the issue
of climate change, it is about climate justice,” the Prime Minister reiterated.
The Prime Minister’s statement comes at a time when India is gearing up to present its carbon emission cuts targets before the crucial UN climate change conference in Paris later this year.
“Ethical values of personal restraint in consumption and environmental consciousness are deeply rooted in Asian philosophical traditions, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism.”
The Prime Minister also voiced concern over violent non-State actors controlling large territories across the world and unleashing “barbaric violence.” He said that ideologies should give way to dialogue to resolve conflicts.
“Intolerant non-State actors now control large territories where they are unleashing barbaric violence on innocent people... The severe limitations in our conflict resolution mechanisms are becoming more and more obvious. It is, thus, no surprise that the world is taking note of Buddhism,” he said without naming any country.
The Prime Minister noted that ideologies which close the gates for dialogue have the propensity for violence. The three-day event is being held by Vivekananda International Foundation and it will shift to the holy Buddhist town of Bodh Gaya on the last day on September 5.
“Hindu and Buddhist religions are in that sense more philosophies and not just belief systems. It is my firm belief that the solution to all problems lies in dialogue,” Modi said. Speaking at a gathering attended by representatives of many Buddhist countries, including Japan, Sri lanka, Mongolia and Cambodia, Modi made a pitch for India as a prime religious destination for tourists from these countries.
“My Government is doing everything possible to give an impetus to the Buddhist heritage across India, and India is taking the lead in boosting the Buddhist heritage across Asia. This three-day meet is one such effort... You are visiting a nation that is extremely proud of its Buddhist heritage,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, former Sri lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga said terrorism was extreme manifestation of long unresolved issues and inclusive and sustainable development was key to resolve such conflicts. Treating all communities as one was very important, she said.
A video message of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was also played on the occasion which was also addressed by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.