Wisdom Tree...

The panel of experts for this episode of Climate Wisdom were Sister Jayanti – Add. Admin. Head of the Brahma Kumaris; Bishop Philip Huggins – Anglican Church, Diocese of Melbourne and Thomas Hirsch – Founder and Director Climate Development Advice, Germany

Sonja Ohlsson, Director, Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative was the moderator for the evening. She shared a touching experience of a five day conference in Nigeria where she witnessed the change of presidency. A courageous woman said let’s take a moment to remember why we are all her, asked everyone to stand up and remember their favorite river, forest or anything else from nature and asked everyone to contemplate on that for a minute in silence. After everyone experienced absolute stillness, she said ‘that’s why we are all here’. I met so many people and heard so many speeches during those five days, but this moment of silence is the only moment I remember.

Philip has been driven to protect the whole planet for those who come after. It was soulful to listen to him, as an aboriginal who was proud that his people have gently lived on the island called Australia for thousands of years. He is a big practitioner of ‘forgiveness’, always making the choice to heal not harm and helps people to see how freeing it is to forgive from the heart. “We need to pay attention to our tone and to GRIT – Gradual Reduction In Tension, i.e. to be the reconciliation you seek,” he added.

The very fact of the COP is wonderful, the fact that the international community is meeting in order to see how together they can deal with the most important issue for the survival of the whole planet is wonderful, the fact that there is a Paris agreement to review progress is wonderful. “COP is like a pilgrimage to me, there is such good will, kindness, generosity and dedication between the international community. We are on a trajectory that will only lead to a good place.”

“Scientists analyze and predict, policy makers make decisions and people of faith provide a moral compass to protect the future from the impact of climate change,” said Thomas. We need technical solutions, but it is of no use without ownership and buy in, he added. He admitted that usually the vulnerability of women is highlighted and fully agrees that women have the power to be pioneers of change and in doing the right thing. That’s an aspect that must be considered in gender and climate debates.

Thomas is hopeful about COP because of the changes he has seen. Many years ago, there were only a small group of people touched by it, but now it makes the headlines and has made the entire world aware. We have come a long way – we have reduced emissions, and we have a business case for renewables. We need to understand that the change we need to undergo to become climate neutral and resilient is massive. We have made big steps, not fast enough, but it gives me hope.

Sister Jayanti sees her role as helping people understand the connection between the inner and outer world. It makes her sad to see that nature is being violated. She feels that women are crucial to climate change. Women are home makers, concerned about the next generation in a very practical and immediate way. They guide children and grandchildren. She said, “if we are looking at care, then care is a very feminine quality. Men have this quality, but they do not develop and express it as much. Women are naturally caring, it is a part of their DNA; I see that the care that we should be giving to our self, each other and to nature comes through the feminine side of a human.”

When she sees the motivation in people to bring about a transformation, she feels hopeful. Additionally, young people are more interested in spirituality than before, they are active in the environmental movement and there is a huge wave of people turning to vegetarian diet and veganism, which contributes to a large part of reducing carbon emissions.

The evening ended with a gratitude prayer from Philip.