Dr. Peter Daniels Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels

How do we do this ? by injecting Buddhist ethics and values into two good scientific tools for understanding and addressing environmental problems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels

ecological economist

Paper Structure 1. Background – climate change 2. Aim 3. Systems analysis of climate change SCIENCE bit – the DPSIR and IPAT approaches 4. How Buddhism would explain climate change – WORLD VIEW bit 5. Responses to climate change - from the combined SCIENCE-WORLD VIEW approach Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels 1. Background – Climate Change the scale of human intervention in the natural carbon cycle is now significant and likely disrupt critical environmental functions for humankind

2. Aim to analyse how Buddhism can help address climate change through underlying values and behaviour (the driving forces - mainly those behind fossil fuel use ) => using two environmental system analysis tools to analyse how Buddhism can help address climate change through underlying values and behaviour (the driving forces - mainly those behind fossil fuel use ) => using two environmental system analysis tools A MAJOR ASSUMPTION => effective long-term analysis and solutions need more consideration of values and moral systems behind economic systems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels

Re climate change… 1. the hybrid scientific analysis models are very useful systematic approaches (and complement the logic and ethical basis of Buddhism) 2. Buddhism provides provide clear and specific guidance if we frame it in this more comprehensive analytic approach Re climate change… 1. the hybrid scientific analysis models are very useful systematic approaches (and complement the logic and ethical basis of Buddhism) 2. Buddhism provides provide clear and specific guidance if we frame it in this more comprehensive analytic approach Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels 2 conclusions

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels 3. Systems analysis of climate change 4 parts The DPSIR model IPAT equation Beliefs => behaviour Well-being links INTEGRATE THESE BUDDHISM

RESPONSE R collective (and individual) action intended to prevent, reduce, or adapt to pressures and/or environmental damage DRIVING FORCES D the underlying human activities that lead to environmental change STATE S changes in the biophysical quality and quantity or other conditions of the environment PRESSURE P material, energy and waste flows to the environment from human activity IMPACT I changes in environmental use functions for humans due to state changes Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels

I = P. A. T where: I = total environmental impact (biophysical) from humans P = population A = affluence, or output or consumption per person (GDP per capita in $s) T = environmental impact per unit of output (per person)

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels THE DPSIR – IPANT HYBRID FRAMEWORK

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems – Peter Daniels 3. Systems analysis of climate change Appendix 1 presents – a detailed analysis of climate change using the hybrid DPSIR-IPANT Framework BUT wheres the Buddhism?

Buddhist Economics Platform 2 – Climate Change and Buddhist Economic Systems THE COMPLETE FRAMEWORK

4. Buddhism and the roots of climate change Two main relevant principles: 1. The Four Noble Truths 2. The pervasive theme of interconnectedness – dependent origination

4. Buddhism and the roots of climate change

Fossil fuel-based economies have all these characteristics : 1. maximum affluence (based on…) 2. N & T with high energy and natural resource disruption 3. expectation failure - all adversely affect well-being

The double whammy

5. Effective responses to climate change – inspirations from Buddhism

1. how can the Buddhist world view can inform responses to climate change 2 main aspects for effective responses

2. need for comprehensive understanding of the full effects of the driving forces behind climate change

MAIN GUIDING SOURCE - the 3 rd and 4 th Noble Truths Moderation, the Middle Way and 8-fold Path the best real welfare with min intervention 5. Effective responses to climate change – inspirations from Buddhism

3 rd and 4 th Noble Truths guide us to change N and T to … minimise external world intervention / disturbance encourage activities that actually bring best welfare

RESPONSES Promote research and knowledge : (1) about the full impacts of different sorts of economic activity and their associated technologies (karmic effects) (2) about the conditions and outcomes that actually increase individual and societal happiness 5. Effective responses to climate change – inspirations from Buddhism

RESPONSES Shift consumption away high impact, low welfare gain activity to positive, compassion goods and services BY policy such as … * full social cost pricing * regulation and standards * moral suasion; education * promotion of disturbance minimising technology 5. Effective responses to climate change – inspirations from Buddhism

changes in individuals roles as producers liberation of personal time as the ultimate resource required for loving-kindness relationships develop and implement new indicators of progress to direct strategic change international policy and assistance for welfare growth and min. disturbance in the developing world 5. Effective responses to climate change – inspirations from Buddhism

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