How can humanity live in harmony with the planet? | BWNS
A diverse group of social leaders in the United Kingdom—including scientists, civil society representatives, and members of religious communities—gathered at St. George’s House in Windsor Castle to explore how religion can inspire unity and collective action on climate change. Founded more than 50 years ago by the Duke of Edinburgh, St. George’s House promotes dialogue on major issues affecting society. This gathering focused on the role faith traditions can play in encouraging cooperation, moral responsibility, and long-term commitment in response to environmental and climate challenges.
Perspectives: Spiritual Responses to Climate Change
Elizabeth Bowen, representative to the UN for the International Society of Doctors for the Environment, and Arthur Dahl, former official with the UN Environment Programme, discuss the importance of spiritual and ethical responses to the challenges posed by climate change. This discussion explores the growing challenge of climate migration and the role faith communities can play in responding with compassion, solidarity, and practical solutions. Referencing United Nations projections of hundreds of millions of climate migrants and refugees caused by extreme weather and climate change, the speaker reflects on the social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of this global crisis. The talk highlights how religious teachings about welcoming strangers and caring for others can help communities move beyond fear and division toward greater empathy and cooperation. It also addresses issues of overconsumption, sustainability, and the need for simpler lifestyles, particularly in wealthier societies, emphasizing that both scientific understanding and spiritual principles are…
Commemorating Earth Day – An Interview with Arthur Dahl
In this Baha’i Blog interview, Sonjel speaks with Arthur Dahl, President of the International Environment Forum and former Deputy Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Drawing on more than 50 years of international experience in environment and sustainability, Dahl reflects on the significance of Earth Day, the climate crisis, and the importance of collective action in addressing global ecological challenges. The conversation explores how humanity can contribute more meaningfully to public discussions surrounding climate change and sustainability while emphasizing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of environmental responsibility. Arthur Dahl also discusses the need for greater global cooperation and a renewed relationship between humanity and the natural world. The interview references the Baha’i International Community statement One Planet, One Habitation: A Baha’i Perspective on Recasting Humanity’s Relationship With the Natural World, which highlights principles of unity, sustainability, and stewardship in responding to today’s environmental crises.
Addressing Climate Change from a Spiritual Perspective
This talk by Christine Muller, presented on November 12, 2022, explores climate change, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through the lens of the Baha’i Faith. Christine Muller, a longtime educator and environmental advocate, shares insights drawn from her experience in interfaith climate education and sustainable development. A graduate of the Music Academy Basel in Switzerland, Christine has dedicated many years to environmental and spiritual education. She created an Interfaith Study Course on Climate Change, co-produced The Story of Stuff: A Baha’i-inspired Program for Youth, and has served since 2011 as faculty for Wilmette Institute courses on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. She also serves on the board of RI Interfaith Power & Light and as secretary for the Baha’i-inspired International Environment Forum. The video includes an introduction, the main presentation, a Q&A session, and closing remarks. The discussion highlights the connections between spirituality, environmental stewardship, interfaith cooperation, and the urgent need…
Spiritual Garden – Nature and the Baha’i Faith
This conversation explores the spiritual significance of gardens, beauty, and nature within the Baha’i Faith. Walking through a wetlands garden filled with water and sculptural habitats, the speakers reflect on how gardens symbolize creativity, renewal, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The discussion highlights the central role of beauty in Baha’i thought, where gardens are seen not only as physical spaces but also as metaphors for spiritual growth and human flourishing. References to gardens appear hundreds of times in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, emphasizing their importance as symbols of harmony, creativity, and divine order. The speakers also explore how beauty, excellence, and creativity are interconnected. From the design of the Baha’i World Centre gardens to everyday human relationships and actions, the conversation suggests that spiritual life should inspire environments and communities that uplift and enrich others. Through reflections on nature, art, and the creative soul, the video…
How Can Spiritual Principles Save the Climate? Christine Muller | REPLAY
This presentation explores how the teachings of the Baha’i Faith can provide a spiritual foundation for addressing climate change and living in greater harmony with both humanity and the Earth. The discussion examines how principles such as justice, truthfulness, moderation, gender equality, the oneness of humankind, and the harmony of science and religion can help guide meaningful responses to today’s ecological challenges. Presenter Christine Muller shares insights from her lifelong study of both the environment and the Baha’i teachings, reflecting on the need for spiritual development alongside scientific and social solutions to the climate crisis. The talk highlights how environmental issues are deeply connected to ethics, human behavior, inequality, and global cooperation. Christine Muller is a board member of the International Environment Forum (IEF) and adjunct lecturer with the Wilmette Institute. She developed Scientific and Spiritual Dimensions of Climate Change – an Interfaith Study Course and has taught courses on…
Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 59: The Spirituality of Climate Change
In this episode of the Baha’i Blogcast, host Rainn Wilson speaks with Arthur Dahl, Christine Muller, and Afsaneh Angelina Rafii about climate change, sustainability, and the spiritual dimensions of the environmental crisis. Together, they explore both practical and philosophical approaches to addressing ecological challenges and discuss the role spirituality can play in creating lasting change. Arthur Dahl, President of the International Environment Forum and former Deputy Assistant Executive Director of UNEP, shares insights from more than 50 years of experience in environmental sustainability and global governance. Christine Muller, environmental educator and Wilmette Institute lecturer, discusses climate education, sustainable development, and the relationship between spiritual principles and environmental action. Afsaneh Angelina Rafii, creator of Icarus Complex Magazine, brings perspectives on climate change from political, economic, legal, and grassroots viewpoints. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the harmony of science and religion, climate resilience, wealth and poverty, youth empowerment,…
Baha’i Devotional Program | Nature and Environment based on the Baha’i Writings
This video explores spiritual perspectives on climate change and humanity’s relationship with nature through quotations from the Baha’i writings, reflections on interconnectedness, and discussions about environmental responsibility. Combining readings, commentary, and video segments, the presentation highlights the idea that nature reflects divine attributes and that all created things are deeply interconnected. The program examines themes such as the relationship between humanity and the natural world, the spiritual dimensions of ecological crises, and the need for compassionate and sustainable responses to climate change. It also features a segment with Christine Muller discussing the Climate Change Preach-In and the role spirituality can play in addressing environmental challenges. Segments: 00:00 – Title 00:23 – “Prayer for Protection from Natural Disasters – Dominion is God’s…” 04:24 – Quote: “Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator…” 04:39 – Quote: “Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is…
How Indigenous Guardians Protect the Planet and Humanity
In this TED Talk, Indigenous leader Valérie Courtois explores the deep relationship between people and the land, sharing the belief that “if we take care of the land, the land takes care of us.” As climate change increasingly impacts ecosystems and communities around the world, Courtois highlights the vital role Indigenous guardians play in protecting and restoring the natural world. The talk examines how Indigenous land stewards monitor water quality, conduct ecological research, protect biodiversity, and work to restore threatened species. Courtois emphasizes that caring for the Earth is both a practical responsibility and a transformative spiritual relationship that can help humanity build a more sustainable future. Through stories of Indigenous leadership and environmental stewardship, the presentation invites viewers to support guardianship initiatives and to rethink humanity’s connection to the land, climate, and future generations.