Spiritual Empowerment to fight the Climate Crisis (UN Climate Conference)

Can spiritual practice offer practical tools for confronting the climate crisis? In this talk delivered at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, in November 2016, Valériane Bernard explores the concept of spiritual empowerment as a genuine resource in the fight against environmental destruction. Rather than viewing spirituality as separate from climate activism, Bernard makes the case that inner strength, clarity, and purpose — cultivated through spiritual practice — can equip individuals and communities with the resilience and motivation needed to sustain long-term environmental action. She examines how this sense of empowerment moves people beyond despair or inaction, offering a grounded, values-based approach to engaging with one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Her talk adds an important perspective to the broader conversation on the intersection of spirituality and climate activism at the UN summit. Viewers interested in related discussions from the conference can also check out a companion video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OKG8b6dnQM&t=1s