Good to see a youngster fight for environment: Dalai Lama

ibune News Service

Dharamsala, January 10

The Dalai Lama today was engaged in a conversation on The Crisis of Climate Feedback Loops with Greta Thunberg, environmental activist, William Moomaw, lead author on reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and Susan Natali, a renowned Arctic scientist here.

During the conservation, the Dalai Lama said that climate change was a problem created by humans. Human beings are very special, yet they are also the biggest trouble-makers due to their desires. “Our generation has created problem of climate change.” he said. “When I heard Greta speaking on issue climate change I felt there was hope from younger generation. I really admire her. It was really encouraging that a younger member of human community was showing courage to fight for environment. We should let the younger generation help resolve the problem of climate change”, he said.

The Dalai Lama further said that humans are self-centred. Individual’s best interest depends on community which now is entire humanity. Everyone wants to lead a happy life.

Greta Thunberg thanked the Dalai Lama for his letter giving support to her fight against climate change. “We share a common goal to save the planet”, she said.

Susan Natali said that affects of climate change have been more adverse in arctic region. The earth was losing arctic ice that was leading to it absorb more heat from the sun. It was leading to release of green house gasses into the environment. Permafrost was decaying creating hazardous conditions by release of carbon that was trapped in ice for thousands of years.

Willam Moomaw said carbon dioxide emissions started increasing with industrialization. Forest loss is worsening carbon levels in the environment.

The conversation was moderated by Diana Chapman Walsh, president, Emerita of Wellesley College, and is organized by the Mind and Life Institute.