The Earth Is Warming: Buddhist Disciples Cannot Stand Apart

Did you know that the ice in the Arctic — ice that has existed for millions of years — could melt away completely within this year or the next? Scientists have sounded the alarm bell, and in his dharma talk, the Venerable Thích Chân Quang recounted the letter from the year 2070 — a heartbreaking story of a world short of water and food. That is not some distant future, but a real possibility if we do not act today.

The Disaster Drawing Near: The Letter from the Year 2070

In this imagined letter, a person describes a life of severe water shortage: drinking only half a glass of water a day, suffering from failing kidneys, having no water to bathe or wash with, and those who own land where they can relieve themselves outdoors are considered the lucky ones. It may sound far-fetched, but according to the Venerable Chân Quang, reality is unfolding faster than we think.

"Those who have gone on surveys say that within this year or next, it will all melt away completely."

The ice at both poles is melting rapidly, causing sea levels to rise, fields to be flooded with salt water, and ecosystems to be thrown into disarray. This affects not only animal species, but directly threatens human life as well.

When the Sources of Life Run Dry, Peace Also Vanishes

As the earth warms, water becomes scarce. Rivers and lakes dry up, food grows short, and when people are pushed into a corner, their animal nature reveals itself. The Venerable Chân Quang reminds us:

"As the earth warms, water will run out, food will be scarce, and war will break out at once."

Reality has shown that many nations are disputing water sources, and conflicts over resources are growing ever fiercer. Once war breaks out, we will no longer have peace to practice, because "without sustenance, the Way cannot be upheld."

The Responsibility of a Buddhist Disciple

In the midst of this crisis, the Buddha's way cannot stand apart. Buddhism is a path of compassion and responsibility, and so the children of the Buddha must be the most enthusiastic in protecting the environment.

"Our Buddhism is a Buddhism of compassion, full of responsibility, and so we do not stand outside of this."

"We are the most enthusiastic, the most personally committed, in the work of protecting the environment of this planet earth."

The Venerable also pointed out that while many other religions concern themselves with expanding their numbers of followers, Buddhism cares about the practical problems of humanity, such as protecting the earth's ecology. This is precisely the spirit of compassion that the Buddha taught.

The Culprit in the Mirror

Who has made the earth warm up? The answer may surprise you: it is us. Look into the mirror and see that person there.

"If you wish to know who the culprit is that has made the seas warm, the earth warm, the air warm, the streams dry up, and the forests wither, look into the mirror and see that person there."

Every time we consume energy — from a gasoline-powered motorbike, a light bulb, or an air conditioner, to the coal-fired power plants — we release carbon dioxide. This gas traps the sun's heat, making the earth ever warmer. Sadly, it is the poor who suffer the most, even though they consume far less energy.

Letting Go of Comforts, Living Simply for the Earth

The Venerable Chân Quang advises us to begin with the smallest daily actions: ride a bicycle instead of a motorbike, turn off the lights when not in use, and save energy. This is not poverty, but an expression of love for the earth.

"Ride a bicycle — not an electric bike. Just pedal: it keeps you healthy and shows your love for the earth at the same time."

He also encourages us to post reminder notes in easily seen places, such as on cars, air conditioners, or electricity meters. For example, on the electricity meter one might write:

"Paying a large electricity bill is the work of a demon."

This may sound harsh, but it is a profound wake-up call. The wealthy who consume vast amounts of energy are the very ones destroying the earth, and when the consequences arrive, it is the poor who bear them first.

Every Small Action Creates Change

We can no longer remain indifferent. Let every Buddhist take on this responsibility: share forty slogans on protecting the ecology with their neighbors, sing the song "The Home of the Earth" in both Vietnamese and English, and live a simple life. This is how we practice compassion — not only in the sutras and chants, but in the very rhythm of our daily lives.

The Venerable Thích Chân Quang's dharma talk ends with a message full of hope: if all of us join hands, the earth still has a chance to be saved. Let us act as though our shared home needs us, right now.