BRAHMA KUMARISBRAHMA KUMARISENVIRONMENT INITIATIVEENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE

United Nations Climate Change Conference

& NGO ForumCopenhagen 7th - 18th December 2009Copenhagen 7th - 18th December 2009

Overview of COP 15

• COP15 - the 15th Conference of the Parties under the UN ‘Climate Change Convention’

• Ministers and officials from 192 countries are expected to attend

• A parallel NGO Forum, organised by local NGOs and sponsored by the Danish Government.

There are 2 organisations in Copenhagen dealing with this. Brahma Kumaris Denmark is part of both committees.

1) The People's Climate Action www.peoplesclimateaction.dk

2) Klimaforum 09 www.klimaforum09.org

About the NGO Forum

To help individuals and communities understand:

• the connection between consciousness and the state of the planet;

• how self transformation and action based on spiritual values, such as non-violence and respect, contribute to a change in the environment;

• how to enable lasting changes in lifestyle.

Aim of the BK Environment Initiative (1)

• To encourage BKs and centres to develop eco-friendly attitudes, actions and running of centres.

• The BKs already contribute actively to the protection of the environment with a very sustainable lifestyle:

- little waste,

- vegetarianism,

- simplicity and economy,

- respect of nature and……

Aim of the BK Environment Initiative (2)

Example : VEGETARIANISM

Did you know that intensive animal breeding:

1) produces more green-house gas emissions than the whole world transport systems (planes, trains, cars, etc.)

2) generates massive pollution of the soil and water resources as well as deforestation and changes in climate, etc.

3 Green Questions

1) Can you describe the link between consciousness and environment ?

2) Why should the Brahma Kumaris address environmental concerns and participate in conferences on this theme ?

3) Please formulate the main guidelines for a spiritual sustainable lifestyle.

Workshop

• Meet in groups of 6

• Choose 1, 2 or all 3 questions

• Bring back your written answers to the Green Team, in this hall (next session).

• Feedback will be available on the BK Green Blog

Learn more, see the latest news

www.environment.brahmakumaris.org

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