Dalai Lama an Environmentalist: A Commitment of 70 Years

By Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha

"I was born in a small village called Taktser, in the northeast of Tibet, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Wood Hog year of the Tibetan calendar-that is, in 1935", writes the Dalai Lama in his first ever biography 'My Land and My People’, published in 1962

Dalai Lama's message to His Holiness the the UNFCCC and government delegates at the COP25:UN Climate Summit in 2019

85 years since then, on 6 July 2020, people across the world will be celebrating his birthday and his life’s work of promoting universal peace and compassion. As commendation for of the Dalai Lama's immense global contribution to world peace and religious harmony, he has being hailed as one of the world's most respected, admired and influential living figures.

The focus of the Dalai Lama’s colossal endeavors extends from the cause of the Tibetan freedom struggle to universal ethics to religious harmony. Yet another vital aspect of his professed goals towards which he has consistently worked for, has been calling for wildlife conservation and environmental protection ever since he took political responsibility of Tibet in 1950. From ordering measures for forest protection and banning hunting during the period of independent Tibet, ending poultry farming and supporting vegetarianism in the exile Tibetan community in India, calling for tree plantation and wild life protection in Tibet, highlighting ecological importance of the Tibetan Plateau and urging for global cooperation on climate change, the Dalai Lama has consistently worked for environmental conservation for the last seven decades.  

An Environmentalist: A Core Principal

Environmental Conservation has been a core principle that directs the mission goals of the Dalai Lama as its clearly represented in his Three Main Commitments in life. After the devolution of all political responsibility to a democratically elected leader of the Tibetan people in 2011, the Dalai Lama   evocatively stated that he would continue to devote his life to three main commitments - the promotion of human values, the promotion of religious harmony, and the preservation of Tibet's Spiritual heritage and protection of its environment. The last commitment reaffirmed his lifelong objective towards striving for environmental conservation. Such a significant pledge from the   Dalai Lama, who is both the most revered person in Tibet as well as a deeply admired global figure, immensely strengthen the cause of environmental conservation.

Furthermore, the Dalai Lama has been a strong supporter of global cooperation on climate change and global warming. His statement, during the 1992 address to the Parliamentary Earth Summit at the Rio Earth Summit, reads:

I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not for his or herself, family, or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind

In a video message to the delegates of Paris Climate Summit in 2015, Dalai Lama rightly noted that human beings are responsible for the current climate crisis and that it is not a question of one nation or two nations. But rather a question of humanity affecting the whole world. In a similar manner, the Dalai Lama sent another written message, delivered in hand by this author, to the Conference of Parties (COP 24) and its delegates on 20 November 2018, the message states:

I extend my greetings and prayers to my dear brothers and sisters, delegates to the 24^th Conference of Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change … I would sincerely like to thank all of you who have selflessly and tirelessly put effort into creating a better environment for the world so that future generation will be able to live a healthy, happy life

An Environmentalist: Being One in Practice

Proposal for Tibet as Zone of Peace for men and Nature in Five Point Peace Plan - 1987

With an increasingly interdependent world and a rapidly degrading ecological situation in Tibet, the Dalai Lama put forth the famous Five Point Peace Plan during an address to the U.S. Congressional Human Right's Caucus in 1987. Proposing for a transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace, he stated,

It is my sincere desire, as well as that of the Tibetan people, to restore to Tibet her invaluable role, by converting the entire country - comprising the three provinces of U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo - once more into a place of stability, peace and harmony.

The proposal further adds “In the best of Buddhist tradition, Tibet would extend its services and hospitality to all who further the cause of world peace and the well-being of mankind and the natural environment we share."

Concerned of the grave implications from a poor environmental situation in Tibet, the Dalai Lama called for 'Restoration and Protection of Tibet's Natural Environment' in the Five Point Peace Plan. Emphatically voicing against the production of nuclear weapons and the dumping of nuclear waste on the plateau.  he further stated that the Tibetan people's inherent respect for all forms of life is enhanced by the Buddhist faith, which prohibits the harming of all sentient beings, whether human or animal. The proposal to transform Tibet as a Zone of Peace stems from his strong desire for a peaceful co-existence among different nations, and a lasting solution for the ongoing conflict between India and China on Tibet’s border would only result from the fruition of this proposal. It would also protect the world’s highest Plateau from further degradation and destruction, which ultimately would result in the conservation of the source of Asia’s most important rivers such as; Senge Tsangpo/Indus, Yarlung Tsangpo/Brahmaputra, Machu/Yellow River, Zachu/Mekong River, Drichu/Yangtze River and Gyalmo Nyulchu/Salween River, which together support more than 1.5 billion people in Asia or a fifth of the world’s populations.

Opposing and ending the Tradition of wearing Animal Fur Dress in Tibet

The wearing of Tibetan traditional clothes with a layer of tiger or leopard or Otter skin trimmed on their dress was an extremely popular attire across Tibet, particularly in eastern Tibet. Therefore, an abrupt end to this tradition was an unimaginable scenario until it happened soon after a strong objection from the Dalai Lama in 2006 during the Kalachakra Puja in Amravati, South India.

At the Kalachakra Puja on 9 January, the Dalai Lama strongly spoke out against this practice, (Dalai Lama on Environment, page 114) stating that 

Some insensitive Tibetan in Tibet wear outfits adorned with tiger, leopard, and otter skins. Such behaviors, indeed, makes every one of us feel embarrassed. I have emphasized this so many times before. I once again emphasize to all of you, particularly those from Tibet, the flaunting clothes trimmed with animal skins is nothing but an act of stupidity- a source of embarrassment to you and your fellow Tibetans.

Such a strong objection resulted in scores of Tibetans in Tibet enthusiastically burning, in large number, their much loved and expensive animal fur or skin dresses and pledging never to use them again.  Such scenes of putting an end to the practice emerged from all parts of Tibet. This fundamental change has had immense positive effects towards saving hundreds of tigers and leopards in Asia, particularly in India. It was beyond anyone’s speculation that the Dalai Lama’s statement would receive such a prompt and decisive reaction from Tibet. As an environmentalist myself, this author has long considered it as one of the greatest environmental contribution by the Dalai Lama or anyone else.

First Nobel Laureate to be recognized for Their Environmental Conservation Efforts

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his decade’s long commitment to a peaceful struggle, even in the face of extreme aggression, for the restoration of freedom in Tibet. However, he also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his motivation and concern towards global environmental problems as well.

In a Press Release dated 5 November 1989, on their decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the Dalai Lama, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wrote,

the Dalai Lama has developed his philosophy of peace from a great reverence for all things living and upon the concept of universal responsibility embracing all mankind as well as nature. In the opinion of the Committee the Dalai Lama has come forward with constructive and forward-looking proposals for the solution of international conflicts, human rights issues, and global environmental problems.

This recognition was a significant milestone in the Dalai Lama’s endeavors for environmental conservation, one that has been supplemented and strengthened by a global acknowledgement of his efforts as an environmentalist.

A Continuing Quest for the Environment

As the Dalai Lama turns 85 this year, his dedication towards the environment has not dimmed in the slightest but continues to grow stronger. The strength behind such dedication stems from the core principle of environmental conservation that is one of the foundational pillars of his belief while he increasingly advocates for a more compassionate human society and a positive relationship with the global environment.  His three commitments to the world have seen him transcend the perception of being a Buddhist or a Tibetan leader to a global figure that is respected and revered across borders, religions, cultures, and politics. As a consequence of such recognition, the Dalai Lama has been able to highlight the importance of environmental conservation, achieve long lasting results and become not just a beacon for compassion and universal ethics, but also as one of the most important ambassadors for environmentalists all over the world.

The original post was published by ‘The Quint’ on July 5, 2020

How real is Nature’s Comeback during Covid-19 Lockdown

By Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha

The world saw an unprecedented fall in carbon (CO₂) emission and human activities due to the ongoing global lockdown. This has reportedly resulted in the restoration of clear blue sky over smog filled cities and reclamation of their lost territories by wild animals.

But how real is the natural environments’ comeback and its possible benefits for the global health?

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), economic restrictions due to the global lockdown and changes in weather could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 8% this year, which is the largest decline in 70 years. Such a fall, though under unfortunate circumstances, is a welcome shift as outdoor air pollution kills 4.2 million people every year, as per data from World Health Organization (WHO).  This is more than 13 times the reported death from COVID-19 till date.

Sadly, around 91% of the world’s population live in places where air quality exceeds World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline limits. But the ongoing global lockdown, though unintended, has resulted in a massive reduction in air pollution to open up the blue sky hidden behind dark smog for decades. The clearing sky gave people in the Indian subcontinent a rare glimpse of famous Himalayan peaks; such as  Mt Everest from Kathmandu, Kangchenjunga from Siliguri and Dhauladhar ranges from Jalandhar, after more  than 30 years. Some of the cities are located as far as 200 km away from the mountain ranges.

Delhi, notwithstanding, been one of the most polluted cities in the world, has seen a stark shift in recent months with 49% reduction in air pollution and less pollutants flowing in the Yamuna River. The residents were elated to see blue sky over the city, which has been blanketed with smog for decades. As per data records (Weather Online), the city also experienced a much cooler weather condition for the first 10 days of the May 2020 compared to the same period in the last five years. No successive governments in Delhi, for decades, has been able to achieve such a reduction in air pollution despite initiating numerous policies and regulations.

Clear Blue sky in New Delhi during the Lockdown (Photo: Choenyi Woeser)

The decline in carbon emission means fewer deaths worldwide, particularly in India. According to Data from WHO, outdoor air pollution contributed to 7.6% of all deaths worldwide in 2016. And as per the State of Global Air 2019 Report, air pollution killed over 1.2 million in India in 2017.

So, could the world’s biggest lockdown ordered by Prime Minister Modi to flatten the COVID-19 curve, contributing to a better air quality and natural environment?

With the enormity of the exercise, which has completely halted the economic engine of the world’s fifth largest economy and restricted the movement of 1.39 billion people for almost two months, logically has to have a tangible impact on the natural environment. An analysis of Indian government data by Carbon Brief, for the first time in four decades, the carbon emission in India fell by an estimate of 15% during the month of March, and the decline could have doubled for the month of April.

The positive impact on the environment from nationwide lockdown is also felt in non-urban areas. About 500km away from Delhi, the hill-station of Dharamshala is experiencing a cold and unusual summer with constantly fluctuating weather condition. Local residents have alluded the over-extended winter to reduced carbon emission during the lockdown. But scientists have linked the milder summer in much of north and central India to a very high western disturbance activity occurring this year. As per an observation by this writer while comparing the temperature records (Weather Online) of the hill-station since 2016, surprisingly found that the first ten days of May 2020 has been the coldest in five years.

China, the first country to enforce lockdowns, also saw a decline in air pollution. As per a paper published in the UK, the lockdown in the Chinese city of Wuhan, from where the virus infection first originated, saw 63% reduction in air pollution. Such a reduction, the paper states, could have prevented 10,822 death in China as a whole, which is twice more than the reported COVID-19 deaths in China. China being the largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, any decline means some respite for the nature.

The health crisis, unfortunately, has spread to every corner of the world except for few islands in the Pacific. There are 250 countries or territories dealing with the infection as per the WHO list, which is more than the total number of countries recognized by United Nations. The 15 countries (WHO) with the largest number of COVID-19 infection till date are mostly part of the G7, OPEC and BRICS, basically the wealthiest group of nations on earth with the highest rate of carbon emission. Therefore, a collective lockdown of the fifteen countries, either partial or total, should have naturally contributed to a massive decline in atmospheric pollution.

A global health crisis of even greater proportion could emerge unless we take strong measures to protect the ecological wellbeing of the natural environment. Scientists have recently discovered 28 unknown ancient virus frozen under the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau, but glaciers are quickly receding due to global warming. Scientist fear that, as glaciers melt, the ancient virus frozen beneath snow for 15,000 years, could come back to life and release new diseases.

How do we mitigate impending risk depend on how the world move forward post lockdown.

The post lockdown could open up two serious risk to the nature; a huge medical waste and a revenge consumption. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has appropriately forewarned its member states of the risk of increased waste necessitated by the medical response to the health crisis.

The world leaders, rightly took bold decisions to save thousands of lives from the pandemic wave despite a massive economic fallout. A hasty economic revival post lockdown with massive stimulus packages could negate the huge environmental gains made for the first time in decades. As envisioned in the UN sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty and provide a healthy environment by 2030, the world must learn from the coronavirus catastrophe to strive for a more sustainable economic structure to prevent a climate crisis.

The crisis has shown to the world that an unimaginable rate of carbon reduction could be achieved in a short period, if the leaders are willing.

(PS: Data used in the article are up-to-date till 21^st May 2020)

 This article originally published on Tibetpolicy.net