If you are like me, you’ve been reading and hearing about the Paris COP21 (November 30 to December 11, 2015) or the United Nations Conference on Climate Change seeking agreement among it’s member nations on actions needed to reverse human-induced climate change. Passionist, Thomas Berry first introduced me to the issues being addressed here in 1988 with the publishing of his book, “The Dream of the Earth”.
On November 30, 2015 The White House Office of the Press Secretary released a briefing reporting that 73 U.S. companies have pledged to reduce their emissions, increase low-carbon investments and other actions in support of the Paris Climate change agreements. Each company has stated specific goals aiming at such actions as 100 percent renewable energy, zero net deforestation in supply chains and reducing water usage. If these pledges are honored and not mere statements to elicit customer support, the earth truly will be a different place by target date of 2030.
While it’s inspiring to read about what big companies like Amazon, American Honda Motors, and Berkshire Hathaway, just to mention a few, are doing to show compassion for mother earth, most of us are lucky if we can convince our spouse or sibling to do something in our own home. The Bhuddist Deer Park Monastery however in their November 14, “Call to Action: People’s Climate Prayer” lists five definite actions we can take. We can do these things individually or we can do them in our small Sanghas (communities). We can do a simple thing like wear a green ribbon to build awareness amongst those we meet each day.
Here are three actions taken from that list that you might want to try:
- Wear green ribbon – Wearing a green ribbon will open up a chance to talk about your commitment to the earth when noticed by your friends.
- Eat Vegetarian – Meat based diets use much more of earth’s resources than vegetable diets.
- Take public transportation – Reduces carbon emissions and makes our cities more people friendly.
Start today and just like the mammoth companies mentioned above, do your part to reverse climate change by choosing doable action steps.
Author
Dan is a retired teacher for the Chicago Public Schools and a long time friend of the Passionists. Dan has been a member of the Community of Passionist Partners since it’s inception in Chicago and presently serves at editor of their blog, Dan is currently pursuing a Social Marketing Specialization with Northwestern University in Evanston through their online Coursera offering.
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We are a community of laymen and laywomen who, with vowed Passionists, seek to share in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross through prayer, ongoing spiritual formation, and proclamation of the message of Christ Crucified.
