Climate Change through Environmental Ethics and Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

This qualitative research aims: 1) to study climate change, 2) to study environmental ethics and Buddhist philosophy, 3) to integrate environmental ethics and Buddhist philosophy in solving climate change problems, to present guidelines and create new knowledge. Climate change is mainly caused by natural variation and human activities. In this research, there are three concepts of environmental ethics, namely, Anthropocentric views, Eco-centric views and Buddhist philosophy.The anthropocentric view allows humans to possess and manage unlimited natural resources. It is a major cause of the problem of climate change, and solving the problem is accomplished by using technology, laws and ethics at the national and international level. However, the problems have still not been resolved. The eco-centric view sees humans and all natural beings as being tied together in a web of life. Solving problems starts with ecological consciousness, where deep ecology and land ethics are proposed. Buddhist philosophy sees the problems that arise from humans’ lack of intelligence as causing defilements, and solves problems by living the Middle Path or the Noble Eightfold Path, which advocates modesty in consumption in order to supply the four basic human needs, etc. As for an integrated approach, it brings distinctive features of each of these ideas. It combines the application of technology, of law and of international ethics of the anthropocentric view, the eco-centric view that all things have their intrinsic value, and the practice of intelligence and meditation using Buddhist philosophy to achieve cooperative benefits in order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.