Environmental destruction is one of the world's biggest crises of the 21st century. Climate change, loss of biological diversity, deforestation, uncontrolled industrialization, increasing use of plastic products are increasing the chances of human existence being threatened.

Due to uncontrolled natural exploitation, extreme greed and uncontrolled consumption, the earth is facing a serious environmental crisis.

Current occurrences of unusual weather events, rapid rise in temperature, loss of biological diversity etc. are the visible indicators of environmental destruction which clearly indicate a dangerous future . 

As we enter 2025, Earth's average temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees Celsius. As a result, polar ice melt, sea level rise, agricultural land turning into desert are seen. In the context of Nepal, unusual drought, heavy rains and floods and landslides are causing destruction to people's wealth . Air pollution is becoming as deadly as cancer, especially in cities.

According to the World Health Organization, every year more than 7 million people die prematurely due to air pollution-related diseases. Contamination of chemical fertilizers, industrial waste and plastic products in water sources has become another serious problem.

At present, about 150 million tons of plastic waste has been accumulated in the sea, which has created a situation where millions of aquatic animals will die. In a context where the increasing dependence on human-centered development and the existentialist thinking are threatening the very existence of other creatures, the importance of Eastern religious and moral values ​​is now being re-emerged. Especially in Buddhist philosophy, knowledge and conduct, there is a possibility of finding answers to such crises.

In the essence of Buddhist teachings, deep sensitivity to the environment, awareness of co-existence and mutual dependence on biological-inorganic objects are clearly found. Although the term 'environment' is not directly used, the importance of environmental balance is explained through the interrelationship between the four elements - Earth, Apo, Tejo, Vayo - and living beings.

When the balance of these elements is disturbed, then disease, suffering and destruction arise . In Buddhist literature, there is a detailed explanation of how human actions, greed, malice and infatuation cause the earth to suffer. In these literatures the environment  The difference between living and non-living things is explained as relative coexistence.

It has been discussed in detail how human mind, behavior and desire affect the balance of nature. Therefore, in the Buddhist view, the environment is not only an external object, but also a reflection of the mind.

Compassion, nonviolence, and equanimity are central to Buddhist philosophy. These values ​​show a clear path to environmental protection. According to this philosophy, compassion is not only shown to humans, but it is the practice of kindness and respect shown to all living beings and natural elements.

In Buddhist practice, an unlimited sense of friendship is developed towards all beings, due to which the awareness of compassion and dedication to trees, wild animals, rivers, mountains, etc. is generated. The Bodhisattva's compassion and devotion to the environment are very clearly shown in the Jataka stories describing the previous births of the Buddha. Thus, based on Buddhist philosophy, we must understand that environmental protection is not only a scientific or political issue, but also a moral, spiritual and human duty. 

According to Buddhist philosophy, based on the efficient and ineffective interrelationship between organic and non-organic objects,  Discusses the environment . According to this theory, all things and beings are interdependent which can be summed up in the formula that when it happens it happens, when it doesn't it doesn't happen.

According to this theory, due to ignorance and excessive greed, people forget the fact that they are an interdependent part of nature and strive for the destruction of nature. Therefore, the teaching of interdependence in Buddhist philosophy makes environmental protection a moral, spiritual and practical responsibility. When we realize that our very breath and life is dependent on nature, then our behavior towards nature also changes. This awareness is the first step towards a sustainable solution to the environmental crisis.

Various Buddhist countries have presented a commendable example in environmental protection by adopting principles such as right livelihood, compassion, non-violence, environmental tolerance and sustainable development. In Thailand's forest consecration campaign, trees are honored as living beings by anointing them in ocher robes like monks. This tradition started in the 1990s under the leadership of Phra Prachak Khutjitto, a Thai monk.

This campaign has had a profound impact by linking religious sentiments to environmental protection. The eco-temple concept, proposed in 2015 by another monk, Frajek Fometo, builds temples from plastic waste and embraces forest conservation as a religious practice.

Similarly, Sri Lanka's Sandalwood Bodhisattva Campaign has promoted tree planting, biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness as a Buddhist practice since 2010 with the participation of young Buddhist monks. Bhutan's concept of Gross National Happiness - national happiness instead of national prosperity - is a successful experiment based on environmental balance and Buddhist values, from which Nepal can learn lessons.

World Environment Day 2025 has reminded us again - nature is not a tool, it is the basis of life. The root cause of all crises seen today is the imbalance of the human mind. Buddhist teachings show the way to make the mind pure, mindful and compassionate. If we can't change mind, consciousness and behavior, slogans alone will not save the environment.