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Climate Change in a Secular Society : A Replacement For Religion?

Published 01st November 2010 - 0 comments - 647 views -

The question of the impact of secular life on society has been mulling about my head for a long time now. I myself am agnostic in the sense that I see no compelling evidence for and no evidence against, there being a god of some form. I'm not a fan of anthropomorphism though, or for that matter the collection of power by an institution run on faith rather than rational discourse, this I am certain is a reflection of my scientific and secular backgrounds. However this being said, I certainly do think that an institution that brings local people together to organise projects, plan events, make friends and talk about what it is to be human; to be alive; to be ethical; and to be happy; is a good thing for society in general and for peoples happiness. An antidote maybe to the fragmentation of modern life.

In a secular society, there aren't many excuses to come together in the manner mentioned above. There aren't many things that can bring together such a diverse group of people in terms of age, backgrounds, ethnicity, and nationality as religion. One thing that does appear to be able to do so is Climate Change, the Environment or Sustainability. Community groups tackling such issues are springing up all over the place in the UK. They may be local independent ones like in my home town called Bovey Climate Action or they may be part of the vast Transition Towns Network which now spans the globe with whole cities and counties such as Bristol and Somerset now signed up as transition initiatives. See this video below for a flavour of what they do.

There are also be university groups like the one I helped found called BUST and probably many others.  Paul Hawkin the famous environmentalist a few years ago began collecting a list of environmental groups, charities and NGOs which can now be found at wiserearth.org. He now estimates there are in the region of 1 million groups out there working on environmental problems. This has recently been taken one step further by the rapidly growing organisation founded by Bill McKibben and his student called 350.org. They have twice now organised global days of action with over 7000 events going on simultaneously across the world in a staggering display of mutual solidarity for action on climate change. The latest was the global day of action based on the 10/10/10 campaign, look at these photos. They are truly amazing.

All of these groups and people are brought together for a united cause, and a similar system of ethics. They act in a way similar to that of religions. I know that for me I have found allot of friends through environmental groups. I have also developed my system of ethics and beliefs through the discussions I have had, the talks I have gone to. In my personal contemplation it has made me consider my place in the world, question my action as a human being. It's even made me feel more connected, I know my actions are important and have consequences.

Now I am not suggesting that climate change should become a religion. Far from it, it is wonderfully free from the structure of religions, rather it is nebulous and wide ranging. however as a movement it's not without dogma or fundamentalism. I just find it fascinating to be a part of, and to observe how it's changing the way we act and view ourselves as human beings on this earth. The way it forces us to talk and think about equity, justice and inter dependence on a global scale. It has had such a large impact on my life and those of many others I know.  For me it's more than just a campaign where and end result is realised, it's a way of living, a guide, a way of connecting with others.

I am not writing this with a 'hippy agenda'. I am not suggesting that this is for everyone. But the emergence of the groups and networks we see now surely represent a significant global trend built around a growing global conciousness fueled by an increasingly connected world. My theory is that it's touching that part of the human brain that is serviced typically by religious institutions. Not faith necessarily (although some environmentalist are like that), but the creation of a culture crossing communities and creating shared values.

Do you think this to? 

What examples do you have? 

If you are religious, what is your take on this?

I would very much love to hear from you all.

Best,

Sam

Category: Climate History, | Tags:



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