The Needs of the Age
Environmental Sustainability, the Faith, and the Funds - An Interview with Peter Adriance
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FUNDamentals Team: Can you describe your work at the Office of External Affairs?
Peter Adriance: I serve as NGO liaison for the National Spiritual Assembly. (NGO stands for non-governmental organization.) In that role, I collaborate with other organizations in areas of common interest, often
working through coalitions and networks, many of which we help to establish. Most of my work, since coming to the office in the Fall of 1990 has been focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable development. For the past couple of years I have been actively involved with efforts both inside and outside of the Baha'i community to promote education for sustainable development. For example, we’ve held a number of seminars and courses that have engaged members of the Baha'i community in this topic. At the same time we’ve joined with hundreds of other organizations in establishing the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) – an organization that envisions sustainable development, “integrated into education and learning throughout the United States”. The Partnership was formed in response to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
FT: How do fund contributions from Baha'is support your work?
P.A.: The National Baha'i Fund is the sole support for all the work of the Office of External Affairs, which has a staff of ten in Washington and three in New York (at the United Nations). It covers salaries and benefits and provides office space and facilities for doing our work; it covers expenses incurred when we attend conferences and meetings; it allows us to purchase books and other resources necessary for our work. It also helps with development of materials like statements and exhibits that we can use to communicate about Baha'i perspectives with colleagues and the public. Other departments which support our work also depend on support from the Fund, like Brilliant Star Magazine, which has published three issues dedicated to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development; or the Information Systems department which maintains the computers, phones and equipment that we rely upon; or the Baha'i schools where we held three regional seminars on Education for Sustainable Development last year.
FT: Much of your work has to do with climate change and education for sustainable development. Can you describe these processes? How would you explain them to someone who might be new to these ideas?
P.A.: The concept of sustainable development emerged in the late ‘80s when the world community began to realize that challenges of environment and development were inseparable – that they could not be addressed in isolation. The world community convened to address these challenges at the ’92 Rio Earth Summit (the UN Conference on Environment and Development), and has been struggling with them ever since. Fortunately, a lot of progress has been made to improve people’s understanding of the interconnections between environment and development, and we are seeing this increasingly reflected in how things are being done – individually, institutionally, and at community, national and global levels.
Nonetheless, there is a great need for education to help humanity collectively turn the corner toward 
sustainability. That is what the UN Decade for ESD is all about. All citizens need to learn how to live and develop so that the planet will remain healthy and viable for all life into the future, and so that the benefits of progress may be extended equitably to our brothers and sisters everywhere.
The issue of climate change is an aspect of sustainable development that has been on humanity’s radar screen since before Rio but has received a lot more attention over the last couple of years as climate science has improved and signs of global warming have increased. It is an issue which affects us all and has profound implications for the future of the planet and civilization itself. Basically, the atmosphere is warming due to an increase in human generated ‘greenhouse gases’ and unless we cut these emissions, the results will likely be catastrophic.
FT: There appears to be an urgency about climate change that didn’t seem to exist before, at least in mainstream discourse. It’s almost like you can’t open a magazine or newspaper without seeing an article about climate change. This may seem like an obvious question, but why the urgency? Why is this something everyone should know about? And why is this something that the Baha'i community and individual Baha'is should be aware of and involved in on some level?
P.A.: I know of no other issue that is quite as compelling. Global warming is caused predominantly by the burning of fossil fuels, something that, since the industrial revolution began, most economies have relied upon. We’re now being told that we need to find alternative means of generating power or suffer the consequences.
Last summer, Al Gore’s film, An Inconvenient Truth, helped raise the profile of this issue. (By the way, I recommend that anyone who has not seen it do so.) Some other important things have occurred since then to further raise the level of concern.
First, earlier this year the UN Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – 2,000 of the world’s leading scientists from every country - released a series of reports which confirmed with a high degree of certainty the impact of our CO2 emissions, and described in some detail the severe effect that a small rise in global temperature will have on the planet’s life systems. They stressed the need for “mitigation” (cutting back on green house gas emissions) and “adaptation” to climate change – knowing that we will have to cope with a certain amount of warming that is already guaranteed to happen from emissions previously generated. They also reported on the impacts of climate change expected in each area of the world.
As I mentioned earlier, many signs of global warming are already in evidence and are expected to
increase – severe weather events including droughts, storms, and flooding; the rapid melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets resulting in rising sea levels; increases in vector born diseases; dramatically altered ecosystems; changed species migration patterns; and disruptions in agricultural cycles. And the number of environmental refugees resulting from these changes – those who are forced to move from their homes – has been rising and could exceed 100 million this century if current trends continue.
In essence, the scientists are telling us that the world must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 80% by the year 2050 to avert a rise in average temperatures of more than 2 degrees centigrade. Warming beyond that level - among other things – will trigger the unstoppable melting of the Greenland ice sheet which will cause a dramatic rise in sea level, thereby permanently flooding coastal cities around the globe.
In addition to this gloomy scenario another dimension to this issue makes it even more compelling – and that is the dimension of justice. On average, an individual living in the United States will generate 
annually 40 times the greenhouse gas emissions of someone living in China or India. While the world’s rich are the best equipped to deal with the impacts of global warming, the world’s poor, who individually contributed little to the problem, will feel the impacts much more severely. In addition, consider the matter of intergenerational justice. What kind of a world will we leave for our children?
The overriding principle that should guide decision making at all levels on this issue is the oneness of humankind. We all have a role to play in stemming climate change, and we will all suffer the affects of inaction. Scientists tell us that while some affects will be positive (such as increased growing seasons in some areas) the negative effects will overwhelmingly predominate.
FT: It seems that there is a long history of Baha'i involvement in environmental concerns, even reaching back to Baha'u'llah who helped improve the quality of the water in Akka when He was imprisoned there. What have been some other notable achievements by the Baha'i community?
P.A.: Abdu'l-Baha was awarded the station of knighthood by the British government for saving lives by encouraging the growing and storing of wheat in Palestine that enabled communities to survive through a period of war and famine.
More recently, the Baha'i World Center gardens that have transformed the side of Mt. Carmel have been developed using principles of environmental sustainability – including the
latest water conservation methods, integrated pest management, and the use of native plants. The ecosystem of the area has been greatly restored through these efforts, not only creating a place of beauty for people in the city to enjoy, but offering an improved habitat for birds, insects and small animals.
Similar work is going on as part of the restoration of the House of Worship in the U.S. Not only are the gardens being improved, but recent upgrades to the House of Worship itself and construction of the new Visitors Center reflect numerous green building principles designed to help reduce the ecological impact of maintaining these facilities.
Then of course, numerous local Baha'i communities around the world are engaging in ecological efforts of all kinds in their neighborhoods – helping with recycling initiatives, wetlands restoration, and water and energy conservation measures as well as engaging with others in study circles, devotional gatherings and other public events with environmental themes.
FT: What is the scriptural basis for Baha'i involvement in environmental issues?
P.A.: Baha'u'llah states, “Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator… Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.” (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 1
41) One needs only to open a prayer book to find myriad references to features of nature that Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha employ to help us learn to know and love God. The examples are too numerous to cite here. The Writings also refer to the interconnection between all things – Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha often compared the complex world of humanity to the human body in which all parts and organs work together in a vast system of interconnectivity. Baha'u'llah also warns us against excessive materialism and encourages moderation. He tells us, “If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 342).” Might we not be seeing evidence of that today? Finally, he exhorts us to, “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 213). Given the condition of the world today, might not this be considered a call to action on environmental as well as other fronts? These are but a few examples of the scriptural basis for Baha'i involvement in environmental issues.
FT: While the connection may not seem clear at first, environmental sustainability is actually closely related to the Five Year Plan that Baha'is around the world are engaged in. For example, as clusters progress they can develop increasingly complex social and economic projects that work at the grassroots to address these issues—children’s classes that support recycling, individuals in study circles working together to reduce their carbon footprint, etc. How do you see the relationship between these processes, the Five Year Plan and sustainability?
P.A.: Both the principles of sustainability and the teachings of the Faith encourage us to think and act in an integrated manner. We don’t live or teach in a vacuum; as Baha'is, we are naturally concerned with
the needs of the age we’re living in, so we are attempting to apply the spiritual principles of the Faith to the needs of this day. Baha'u'llah tells to, “let deeds, not words, be your adorning,” (The Persian Hidden Words, #5) and exhorts us to “carry forward an ever advancing civilization” (Gleanings, p. 214). I see the activities of the Five Year plan as instruments for the progress of mankind that can only be enhanced with our growing awareness of the needs of the world.
FT: In a recent interview Al Gore said something really interesting. To paraphrase, he said that the civil rights movement went to the next level after it was lifted out of the political sphere and put into a spiritual context. He said the same thing needs to happen with environmental issues because essentially it’s a moral issue. That was the first time I’ve seen a secular leader describe the need for spirituality in environmental discourse. It seems that religious groups, including the Baha'i community, can help develop the soul, so to speak, of environmental awareness and action. Are religious groups active in this issue? What can they contribute to issues of sustainability?
P.A.: Many religious groups are very active in promoting sustainability. Gary Gardner, research director of the Worldwatch Institute wrote a chapter on this in State of the World 2003 (Worldwatch Institute, 2003, Chapter 8: Engaging Religion in the Quest for a Sustainable World) which later turned into a book, Inspiring Progress – Religions’ Contributions to Sustainable Development (Worldwatch Institute, 2006). Interestingly, the book leads off with the story of Tony Deamer, a Baha'i on the Pacific island of Vanuatu who has been applying Baha'i principles to promote sustainability. Gardner points out that religions have many assets that help foster sustainability including, “moral authority, a long tradition of ethical teachings, and the sheer political power that comes from having so many adherents.” Two examples here in the United States are the National Council of Churches (NCC -- 100,000 churches/ 50 million members) with its Eco-justice Programs that offer a broad array of resources for congregations; and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL - encompassing all the major branches of Judaism) which undertakes similar programs in the Jewish community. The US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development has a Faith Sector Team which I co-chair with Martha Gardner of the NCC, that has compiled links to these and other Faith resources for sustainability (see www.uspartnership.org). There are other examples too numerous to mention here.
FT: In previous conversations you’ve mentioned how you also see this as a moral issue, that environmental sustainability is a question of justice that has particular implications to people living in the US. It seems that essentially this is about humanity coming to terms with its inherent oneness. Is that how you would describe it?
P.A.: Absolutely. In fact, the climate issue is really a major opportunity for the world to embrace the
principle of oneness. This issue affects us all. We’re all part of the problem and the solution demands that we each play our part. To address climate change effectively will require that all of humanity cooperate on an unprecedented scale. The moral and ethical dimensions are huge and the principle of the oneness of humanity emerges as central to achieving a just and satisfactory resolution.
FT: Working to achieve environmental sustainability looks like it presents lots of opportunities to change the way we live on almost every level. It’s often seen, I think, as a negative, in that people have to give up things they like doing or having. But that doesn’t seem to be the case necessarily. Greener cities, for example, will not only be more beautiful but the people living in those cities will be healthier and, probably, happier. And there seems to be an industry developing around providing consumers with green or environmentally sustainable products, from cars to food to homes to hotel rooms. How do you see this affecting the growth of sustainability? P.A.: I think the opportunities associated with a green economy are very exciting. As more and more creative thought goes into addressing the challenges of sustainability, solutions are emerging that hold much promise. Given the serious threats posed by climate change I think we’ll see these trends accelerating.
FT: What are ways that readers of FUNDamentals can educate themselves about sustainability and work to achieve it (besides contributing to the Baha'i Funds to support your work)?
P.A.: There are many resources that will prove helpful. Start out by seeing “An Inconvenient Truth”, which provides a helpful overview of the climate issue. If you’re so inclined, read the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The number of online resources is endless. I’ll provide a few of the best I’ve found as an addendum to this interview. Study the Writings on this issue (a wonderful resource is the International Environment Forum’s website – see below.) Engage in community initiatives that support sustainability, and reflect on the Baha'i principles that relate to them. Take a course; read a book. Remember that we’re all in a learning mode when it comes to sustainability, and we can all learn from each other. In learning and sharing our knowledge we will become part of the solution.
A FEW RESOURCES ON SUSTAINABILITY/CLIMATE CHANGE
Coming Baha'i events:
• Attend Green Acre weekend: “Better Together: Fostering Interfaith Collaboration for Sustainability” Sept. 21-23, 2007
• Attend the 11th Annual IEF Conference “Framing a Human Response to Climate Change” Ottawa, Canada, 12-14 October, 2007
Baha'i Resources:
• Baha'i International Community - see article and links to video clips from “The Ethical Dimensions of Climate Change” – a side event held at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, April 30 2007. Video clips at: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=martha04032 (scroll down a little to find them)
• One Country – The newsletter of the Baha'i International Community contains several articles and a perspective piece on religions and education for sustainable development
• International Environment Forum’s web pages
o Review the conference report from the 10th Annual Conference, Sept. 15-17, 2006 “Science, Faith and Global Warming:Arising to the Challenge”
o Sustapedia – short articles on sustainability
o Other resources on Environment and Sustainable Development
Other Resources:
• NPR’s Climate Connections – programs that play on NPR stations daily but are also available online with additional resources at
• New York Times – Science Section on Global Warming
• Washington Post – The threat of climate change
• Native Energy Carbon Offsets – (One of several carbon offset programs)
• U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development Faith Sector team pages:
o Rationale for Faith Sector engagement in ESD
o Faith Sector resources for sustainability education
• Google the name of your town and “sustainability” or “environment” or “sustainable development” and see what you get. Follow up as needed!
Wow! A really insightful article; thanks!
Posted by: Bill | August 27, 2007 at 11:15 AM
You guys rock! Thanks for the great resources! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Stephanie | August 21, 2007 at 08:08 PM
"The needs of the age" is a great article with great references! Thank you!!
Posted by: Elham | August 21, 2007 at 06:42 PM