How Western Buddhist climate activists negotiate climate emotions

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Sociology of Religion
• Climate Activism Studies

Background:

• Pro-environmental behavior is crucial for addressing the socio-ecological crisis.
• Climate emotions and religious ideologies significantly influence pro-environmental actions.
• Buddhism is often considered to have elements conducive to environmentalism, yet empirical research is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complex interplay between Buddhist interpretations, climate emotions, and pro-environmental behavior.
• To explore how Buddhist teachings shape activists' responses to climate change.
• To understand the dynamics of climate activism within a Buddhist framework.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative case study approach was employed.
• Data collection involved life history and thematic interviews.
• Thirteen Western Buddhist climate activists were studied.

Main Results:

• Buddhist interpretations profoundly shape attitudes toward climate emotions, fostering emotional reflexivity.
• Concepts like compassion and interconnectedness promote care for non-human nature.
• Teachings on impermanence and equanimity influence engagement with climate grief, anger, despair, and hope, while karma impacts guilt and responsibility negotiation.

Conclusions:

• Buddhist frameworks offer unique ways to navigate climate emotions and motivate environmental action.
• Emotional norms within Buddhism can impact activism, sometimes leading to disengagement.
• This research bridges interdisciplinary understandings of climate emotions, activism, and religious influences.