by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
From Copenhagen's gigantic carbon footprint to Al Gore's emissions during his travels all around the globe in order to hold his lectures there is no shortage of people complaining about the carbon emitted by those who want to cut carbon. Here at the GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW I have said the very same as to the COP15 meeting in Copenhagen.
There are some, however, who are trying to keep this in check. A group of religious leaders just an interfaith no-fly summit, exactly one month after Copenhagen, to discuss the practical role that faith, and in particular sacred texts, can play following the disappointment of COP15.
Organized by the Bible Society, the summit was held exclusively within a new interfaith social network known called Faith. Climate. Connect. (http://www.faithclimateconnect.com/) Taking inspiration from poll results that show as many as 47% of religious adherents want their leaders to set an environmental example and fly less, the summit was held entirely online. What a breath of fresh air here. Hallelujah!
Rachel Ward, spokesperson for the Bible Society, says 'It's inspiring that we can use modern technology to bring together Christians, Jews and Muslims from across the globe to talk about how their sacred texts inspire them to preserve God's creation - without the need for flying. As it says in the Bible, "The land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me.' Hopefully, Faith Climate Connect can help us all take more responsibility as stewards of this beautiful planet.'
And before any trolls start citing this as yet more evidence that environmentalism is a religion, it is not, any more than Christian aid workers are "proof" that helping others is a religion. Everybody has a vested interest in survival – and that includes people of all faiths and none.
Can we all say an “Amen” here and a “Hallelujah”?
It would be nice if the rest would also understand, and I am addressing here equally politicians, scientists and protesters, that the Internet can be a much better vehicle for us to run such events.
The Internet also would make it possible for the organizers to allow participation of, basically, anyone wishing to take part. Think of the reduction of costs, as well as the reduction in emissions, etc.
© 2010
