With the existential crisis of our time, climate change, bearing down upon us, there is a need to develop constructive and sustainable solutions. Great strides have been made in generating awareness about climate change, overpopulation, mass extinction of species and other stressors on the environment. In 2019, the City of Ann Arbor declared a Climate Emergency. But how can we as individuals make a difference? Buddhism has always emphasized the interdependence of all living beings and the benefit of interacting compassionately.

The inaugural Jewel Heart Annual Earth Day Forum will present a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhist scholar and teacher, Demo Rinpoche, and eminent scientists and activists. The Forum will address the human and spiritual dimension of sustaining life on this planet.

Participants:

Demo Rinpoche – Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center
Mark Hunter – UM Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Anthony King – UM Department of Psychiatry
MaryCarol Hunter - UM School for Environment and Sustainability
Avik Basu - UM School for Environment and Sustainability
Rebecca Hardin - UM School for Environment and Sustainability
Isabelle Osawamick - Native American Anishinaabemowin Language Specialist
Jonathan Rose – The Garrison Institute