Lessening Environmental Challenges through Comparative Philosophical Approaches

Abstract

Contemporary ecological challenges and crises demand a systematic solution approach. Environmental perception and engagement vary at different levels, not only at the global level but also at local experiences backed up by historical, social, and individual contexts. The gaps between the global and local structures are primary challenges to address environmental issues. The Buddhist approach sketches out the systematic perspectives to consider these gaps through interconnectedness, mindfulness, and ethical responsibility. Buddhist principles such as dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) and non-duality can bridge the gap between global and local perspectives on environmental protection. Buddhism promotes an ethical framework that surpasses the multiple dimensions of structure by grounding global environmental action in the localized, mindful awareness of individual and holistic impact. Severla approaches to address local to global level environmental issues prevail in the contemporary world. Among them, Buddhist Approaches to the environment incorporate compassion and wisdom, which can be an alternative to addressing rising global and local environmental challenges. Similarly, multiple dimensions associated with the Buddhist approach, from individual to global level, can address environmental challenges by acknowledging local identities to address global environmental challenges.