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2021 October Green News Archive
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Green Newsletter - Preparing for COP26 Conference on Climate Change
30 October 2021
Dear Friends of Eco Brahma Kumaris
The Brahma Kumaris (BK) has a team attending COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, 31 Oct. to 12 Nov. BK has been attending and participating in these important UN conferences since COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. Over that time, many partnerships and collaborations have been established and we have developed a rich programme of events.
BK Calendar of Events COP26
Follow us in our 30 events during COP using this online calendar:
https://eco.brahmakumaris.org/cop-26-events/
This year’s meeting is unlike any previous one. It is being held a year late, owing to the pandemic, and it is only partially in-person. Restrictions around travel and gatherings remain in place. For these reasons, some of ouractivities are online, and those that are in person are set to be more restricted than in previous years.
Most importantly, COP26 is a critical follow-up to the Paris Agreement of 2015, where the world can take stock of how far countries have progressed in honouring commitments made six years ago. It follows publication of a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in August, that highlighted the extent and gravity of changes in the earth’s climate – largely caused by human beings. Just to stabilize the climate will require strong, rapid and sustained actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and reach net zero carbon dioxide.
We need to come together to act – quickly.Our team is ready and truly focused on a central task: To advocate for the spiritual path of regeneration.
The BK COP26 team:
Our multinational delegation is led by Sister Jayanti Kirpalani(UK), Maureen Goodman (UK), Golo Pilz (India/Germany), Sonja Ohlsson (Denmark), Valériane Bernard(Switzerland), Carolin Fraude (Germany), Maria Faundez(UK), Ruth Liddle (UK), Shantanu Mandal (India). Incredible support is being provided by Joanna Kitto, Sylia Ismail and the Glasgow Center – Rose Goodenough, Marilyn Gordon, Barry Jareckyj and team. Thanks to our webmaster Jignesh Panchal (Sweden).
Conference of Youth, COY in Glasgow
The Youth from all over the world have already gathered in Glasgow for the COY conference. From Brahma Kumaris we have Shantanu Mandal (India), Niranjan Mukherjee (Germany), Birajith Baskaran (UK) and Nicole Travnicek (UK) represented. They will lead 3 daily mediations in the youth well-being space during the whole period of 28 -31 Oct. 2021
Pre-COP26 activities:
We began in March with a meditation on nature, “For the Love of our Mother”, held in cooperation with Faith for the Climate as part of the Sacred People, Sacred Earth Global Day of Action.
Since April, the centers in Scotland has held fortnightly Meditations for Healing the Planet. There are plans to continue them beyond November’s meeting.
The BK has also organized a series of Green Wave Meditations, with each participant joining at a set time to ensure a continuous flow of meditation over an eight-hour period on one day.
Launched on 25 August - Dadiji’s Day – Yogis for Future https://yogisforfuture.org/ is a dedicated website for guided meditation commentaries by experienced BKs for a healthy mind and healthy planet, to share “thoughts of peace, compassion and hope (that are) very much needed around the world” (Sister Jayanti).
We will continue to radiate such thoughts during November’s gathering in Glasgow. There will be daily meditations with green thoughts in support of the BK COP26 team at 7:00 am.
Talks and webinars
Also in September, BK Italy held an online event - Power of Consciousness and 10 Simple Ways to Change the World –organized by Beatrice Mudadu as part of All4Climate Italy 2021, in the run-up to the pre-COP meeting held in Milan.
Part of a series of discussions, “Talking COP26 – three things it’s good to know” on 14 October featured an uplifting discussion between Maureen and Shantanu, moderated by Ruth. It highlighted how the current climate crisis is a test of our wisdom, how we can act in a way that is true to ourselves, and how, through the practice of internal reflection, we enable ourselves, and others, to maintain hope and courage. Valeriane spoke on "How to generate positive change to help the world" hosted by Manchester Inner Space.
Interfaith activities
In September, the Interfaith Liaison Committee (ILC) to the UNFCCC held a webinaron Inspired Faith Action towards COP26. In a session on local action, facilitated by Valériane, representatives from interfaith organizations in Scotland called for enhanced cooperation and partnerships, and members of indigenous communities and the global south made impassioned pleas for their voices to be heard at November’s gathering.
Recommended Links by our readers:
The Anthropocene: Where on Earth are we Going? (Full)
There are no real climate leaders yet – who will step up at Cop26? | Greta Thunberg | The Guardian
Peaceful Greetings
Brahma Kumaris Eco
and your newsletter editors
Peter, Jignesh, Golo,
Arnold, Sonja
Updated Calendar of event for BK participation in COP 26
29 October 2021
BK Calendar of Events COP26 in Glasgow, UK
www.eco.brahmakumaris.org
#ecobrahmakumaris
Facebook: facebook.com/ecobrahmakumaris/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BKEnvironment
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Here is our updated calendar of events for our participation in COP 26.
There will no doubt be changes and additions.
We thank you for all your good wishes and support for our participation in COP 26.
With loving regards,
in Baba's yaad
Maureen
Click HERE for Brahma Kumaris COP26 Calendar of Events.
Live Daily Updates from COP26 Coalition on https://cop26.tv/
28 October 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Some of you will be keen to follow the developments of COP 26 in Glasgow. Attached is the latest schedule of our participation at COP.
In addition to this, COP26 Coalition will run a live-streamed news and information channel, offering an alternative view to the mainstream media, throughout the two weeks of COP in Glasgow this year.
https://cop26.tv/
There will be daily roundups of everything happening in Glasgow, with live reporting of protest actions in the UK and around the world. Plus interviews with scientists, politicians and activists giving the facts and the arguments on exactly why 2050 is too late. And explaining what we can do to reset the global agenda on surviving the climate crisis.
Daily reports from the COP negotiations are currently scheduled to be live-streamed 5.00 pm - 5.25 pm on https://cop26.tv/#live
With love
in Baba's yaad
Maureen
COP26 Public Events : A selection of BK involvement : It’s your Planet so get involved!
25 October 2021
Calendar of Events for the Public COP26 in Glasgow, UK
Sunday 31.10.21
Prayer and Meditation Vigil for COP26
14.00-15.00
Witness religious leaders and faith community members coming together in Glasgow’s main square. Sister Jayanti to lead a meditation.
George Square Glasgow G2 1DH 500 people max.
In-Person
Registration Or watch Online
Sunday 31.10.21
Interfaith Gathering in Spirit of Talanoa Dialogue
16.30-21.00
Sister Jayanti 7-8
As members of faith communities, we believe that we have made significant contributions in addressing the immense challenges posed by climate change through advocacy, capacity building and education. A panel of community leaders, small group discussions and interfaith service. Program include contributions from Sister Jayanti Kirpalani, Maureen Goodman and Valeriane Bernard.
Garnet Hill Synagogue, 129 Hill Street, Glasgow, G3 6UB
In-person Registration or Online participation
Monday 1.11.2021
Brahma Kumaris COP26 Workshops
15.00-17.00
5 Easy steps for Transition from Climate anxiety to Climate Action for Young Leaders. In this session, we will explore how anxiety can be leveraged as an inner resource that propels us into action. Faciliator Shantanu Mandal, Brahma Kumaris Youth Rep.
Venue Glasgow Unitarian Church, 72 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7DS
In-Person only Booking
Wednesday 3.11.2021
Brahma Kumaris COP26 Workshop
15.00-17.00
Conscious consumption, changing Food systems –
Aligning with nature for a healthy life and a Healthy planet. Come with us on a journey of discovery as we learn about the importance of our attitude towards food.
Facilitators: Maureen Goodman and Shantanu Mandal
Venue Glasgow Unitarian Church, 72 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7DS
In-Person only Booking
Thursday 4.11.2021
Green Zone Exhibition
9.00-18.00
Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future – There is an urgent need for a new paradigm that integrates clean technologies into our day-to-day life. “India-One” Solar Thermal Power Plant, a showcase of innovative decentralized power generation with storage.
Glasgow Science Center, 50 Pacific Quay, Exhibition C3
In-Person only Free tickets
Saturday 6.11.2021
Talk & Meditation at Inner Space Glasgow
14.00-15.15
Stability during Climate Change and Uncertainty.
Many people ask, “What can we do?” and “What’s coming next?” Can you remain stable and calm in the face of climate change? With all this uncertainty, is there any hope? What is your vision of the future? Talk & Meditation at Inner Space Glasgow by Golo Pilz
Inner Space Glasgow, Academy House, 1346 Shettleston Road
G32 9AT
In-Person only Booking
Sunday 7.11.2021
COP 26 Coalition Peoples Summit
16.15-17.45
Energy Transition – Deciding our Future. Discussing ways of accelerating the implementation of new technologies – including local community initiatives, with low-carbon lifestyles. Golo Pilz, Energy Adviser Brahma Kumaris, Paul Allen, Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales, Youth representative from Lutheran World Federation, Catherine Allinson, Future Earth Ltd , Moderator: Sonja Ohlsson,
Garnethill Multicultural Centre (Main Hall), 21 Rose St., Glasgow, G3 6RE
Sunday 7.11.2021
COP 26 Coalition Peoples Summit
18.30-20.00
Uniting hearts to heal the world – collective meditation event where Brahma Kumaris and partners. Share moments of silence, prayers from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Bahai and Hinduism , Buddhist and Indigenous chants, meditation by Sister Jayanti Kirpalani. Music by Terra Attune.
Fred Paton Centre Main Hall,
19 Carrington St, Glasgow G4 9AJ In-Person only Registration
Monday 8.11.2021
Brahma Kumaris COP26 Workshop
15.00-17.00
The Future is Us- Yogis for Future invites like-minded people to come together, meditate and to create good thoughts and intentions for the wellbeing of humanity and the planet. Clearly, we have to think ‘outside the box’ of science and politics. The solution to our current crisis will emerge through our higher consciousness. www.yogisforfuture.org
Golo Pilz, Germany/India, Energy adviser Brahma Kumaris
Sonja Ohlsson, Denmark, COP26 co-ordinator Brahma Kumaris
Venue Glasgow Unitarian Church 72 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7DS
In-Person only Registration
Tuesday 9.11.2021
Brahma Kumaris COP26 Program
19.00-20.30
Healthy Minds Healthy Planet
How do our minds affect the planet? Any real contributions to change must come from the inside.
Sister Jayanti Kirpalani, UK, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris.
Golo J. Pilz, Germany/India – Advisor on Renewable Energy.
David R Hamilton PhD, writer, columnist, speaker & kindness scientist.
Trades Hall, 85 Glassford St, Glasgow G1 1UH
In-Person only Booking essential
Wednesday 10.11.2021
COP26 Coalition People’s Summit
14.00-15.30
Local Heroes – Planting Seeds for the Future
What will a sustainable community in the future really look like? And how can practical local initiatives help to bring this about? Join our in-person event, participate in an envisioning exercise and find out from four ‘local heroes’ how their innovative projects can help to inspire you and others to create a new carbon-neutral future. Facilitator: Shantanu Mandal, Brahma Kumaris. Speakers: Maureen Goodman, Brahma Kumaris, Jill Asher – Incredible Edible, Sophie Unwin – Remade, Shrishti Singh – Centre for Environment Education
The Deep End (Venue Room) Govanhill Baths, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow, G41 2PZ
In-Person only Registration
Wednesday 10.11.2021
Brahma Kumaris COP26 Workshop
15.00-17.00
Brahma Kumaris Workshop dedicated to COP26
Climate Change needs Inner Change – The basis for engaging in climate action and becoming a leader for change is being a practical example of how we can live in an environmentally and climate-friendly way. Facilitators: Ruth Liddle, Meditation & personal development teacher, Manchester
Carolin Fraude, Researcher at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies & meditation teacher, Berlin
Glasgow Unitarian Church, 72 Berkeley Street, GLASGOW G3 7DS
In-Person only Register
Thursday 11.11.2021
COP26 EU Pavillion Blue Zone
19.00-20.00
Energy Transition – Compassionate Leadership towards a sustainable world. One challenge is to encourage compassionate leadership so that no one is left behind in this transition.
Panel moderated by Sonja Ohlsson.
Khulekani Magwaza , Laura Nagel, Sister Jayanti Kirpalani,
Emira Woods, Golo Pilz.
Online Registration
Friday 12.11.2021
Green Zone Exhibition
9.00-18.00
Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future – There is an urgent need for a new paradigm that integrates clean technologies into our day-to-day life. “India-One” Solar Thermal Power Plant, a showcase of innovative decentralized power generation with storage.
Glasgow Science Center, 50 Pacific Quay, Exhibition C3
In-Person only Free tickets
Saturday 13.11.21
Talk & Meditation at Inner Space Glasgow
14.00-15.15
Give the Mind a Rest & Recharge: Free Talk & Meditation by Rose Goodenough at Inner Space Glasgow.
Inner Space Glasgow, Academy House, 1346 Shettleston Road
In-Person only Booking
Saturday 13.11.21
Talk & Meditation at Inner Space Edinburgh
15.00-16.30
Creating Solutions in Uncertain Times– to make this Earth a better place, it needs more than just using renewable technologies and creating good strategies.
We need to change ourselves… Golo Pilz and Sonja Ohlsson.
Inner Space Edinburgh, 183 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2EB
In-Person only Booking
Pre-COY Young Adults Workshop 24 October: Dissecting Climate Injustice
19 October 2021
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Om Shanti. It is the time of the year again when a delegation of young BKs are taking part in the Conference of Youth (COY), leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), taking place in Glasgow this year.
An event for public youth and young adults aged 15 - 40 has been organised as a contribution towards COY16 and COP26 by this team of young BK delegates, and we would appreciate if you could kindly circulate the below information and attached poster to your public youth and young adult contacts aged 15 - 40. The objective of this event is to help young people deal with feelings of disempowerment when facing climate change.
In case of queries feel welcome to contact e: shantanum@brahmakumaris.com
Text for public youth/young adult contacts
Greetings of Peace.
It is the time of the year again when a delegation of young BKs are taking part in the Conference of Youth (COY), leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), taking place in Glasgow this year.
The upcoming event is a contribution towards COY16 and COP26 and is for you, if you are aged 15 - 40! We would love to hear your view on this important topic, your thoughts and experience are very valuable!
Event details:
Title: Dissecting Climate Injustice - Observing the feeling of powerlessness from different perspectives
Date: 24th October 2021
Time: 4 pm BST
Link: https://tinyurl.com/PreCOY16
Please do forward the event details to other interested youth and young adults aged 15 - 40.
In case of queries feel welcome to contact e: shantanum@brahmakumaris.com
With many thanks and best wishes,
The COY16 Team
Beatrice, Biru, Ilja, Nicole, Nik, Niranjan, Shantanu
Brahma Kumaris supporting COP26 www.eco.brahmakumaris.org
Copenhagen: Online Event for BK Youth on Consciousness & Climate Change
7 October 2021
Dear Divine Family, Greetings of peace.
Each year world leaders gather to collectively decide upon what can be done to mitigate climate emergency. This annual event by UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) will take place in Glasgow in November this year.
You can follow us on the online calendar, which is presently building up: https://eco.brahmakumaris.org/cop-26-events/
Prior to COP the Conference of Youth- COY - takes place in Glasgow. In preparation to the COY 16 the Brahma Kumaris Youth Climate Network is organizing an online event. Kindly find the details in the poster for circulating amongst the BK youth.
When: 10th October
Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm BST
Topic: Our Consciousness, Our climate...an inside-out approach.
Highlights: Keynote address by Sis Jayanti.
Workshop and reflections
Meeting link: https://tinyurl.com/precoy
Translations will be available.
Aimed at:
BK Youth between age 15 to 35 years
BK Observers between age 35 to 45 years.
Om Shanti
Brahma Kumaris Youth Climate Network
copenhagen@dk.brahmakumaris.org
Click here for flyer in PDF version.
A Little News and Environment UN Days in September & October 2021
1 October 2021
Information Session for BKs
Wednesday 29th September @ 10.30am AEST
with Klig (Yarra Valley) and Jessica & Robert (Leura)
As BKs we know that wasting food means losing our fortune; washing grains of rice down the sink is like washing away diamonds.
For UN International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction we will hold a workshop for BKs:
Tips on how to store food, recycle leftovers successfully, compost and farm worms.
Bring along your own experiences.
On Zoom on the day
Tamasin Ramsay's research report on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture has been cited extensively by Janus Bojesen Jensen in a book titled 'Subtle Agroecologies - Farming With the Hidden Half of Nature”.
The entire book is free to download... see Chapter 22.
At home, Tamasin has just started a personal Sustainable Yogic Agriculture practice according to the system of the farmers in India - established and practiced for more than ten years. The SYA practice begins with “seed empowerment” i.e. meditation on the seeds, for ten days. In the photo below Tamasin has separated the seeds - the yogic seeds are in the glass jars with labels and the control seeds are the ones remaining in the packets. She will update us with developments!
Аir pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health with with far-reaching impacts owing to its transport over long distances and one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally. Particularly in developing countries, air pollution disproportionately affects women, children and the elderly, especially in low-income populations as they are often exposed to high levels of ambient air pollution and indoor air pollution from cooking and heating with wood fuel and kerosene.
Meditation for Clean Air and Blue Skies
online via Zoom
