SOLUTIONS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable energy is beneficial from a Buddhist perspective because it is limitless, benign and harmonious with nature. These are characteristic qualities of the Dharma itself. Renewable energy is free, after the initial investment. In contrast to fossil fuels, electricity from renewables does not increase in price over time.
Renewable energy supports the individual and collective aspects of civilization. It provides a life-enhancing goal. Experience in Germany, as well as several major studies [1,2], shows that it creates many quality jobs, displaces pollution and provides a secure, sustainable energy supply. It is possible that the current world economy may decline progressively through resource limitation, consumer debt and fossil fuel warfare. Renewable energy provides us with a route out of economic recession and depression.
The encounter with climate change can lead to some familiar human defence mechanisms, like rationalization or denial. After all, it is seriously bad news. Society has responded to urgent scientific warnings about global warming with strong, counterproductive clinging to ‘business as usual’. However, trying to keep up a familiar but failing fossil fuel economy is the problem. Adopting renewable energy is the headline remedy.
Buddhist meditation is based on refined attention. It makes an introspective examination of inner experience. This increases self-understanding, clarity, flexibility and creativity. Meditative training also teaches the mind to focus on positive solutions—those that reflect noble human values and the universal principle of interdependence. Renewable energy is one such positive and indispensable technological solution. It is available to us right now.
1. Herman Scheer [2007] Energy Autonomy
2. Scientific American [2008] A Grand Plan for Solar Energy