..續本文上一頁 made during the conference in Rio de Janiero in 1992, and since then of course many other events are being held to bring awareness to the global environmental emergency, such as for example, the recent international debates on global warming, the destruction of the ozone layer, and the loss of our biopersity during the major conference of Clima Latino organized by the Andean Parliament in Ecuador in October 2007.

　　From the very beginning, everyone has singled out the importance of environmental education for both children and adults. However, while progress has been made, education has not been instrumental in stopping environmental destruction from taking place.

　　Therefore, more then ever, it is essential to promote environmental education. However, an emphasis on our “outer environment” and the measurements of its destruction by use of technology and research to address our environmental problems is not sufficient, as we have the proof in the increasing numbers of natural calamities all over this planet.

　　 We know that there are environmental biologists, environmental conservationists, environmental ecologists, environmental economists, environmental educators, etc. These are important professions. And we know that traditional environmental economists may be effective in modifying behavior and, ultimately, change the natural and human environment, with the use of technologies and the so-called economic policy incentives (e.g., taxing the polluter).

　　 We must all inpidually recognize the fragile situation and the already irreversible damage of our planet and feel the urgency for protecting our environment - only then will it be possible for something to change. It is extremely important that we leave the remaining precious natural treasures of the environment in an undisturbed and peaceful state. I believe that every citizen of our planet has a deep responsibility to stop the environmental destruction and instead, help in its recovery.

　　 We should not give up our collective responsibility for the environment and expect our Government, or the United Nations to solve the global environmental problems. Most people do not give much thought to the state of the environment; we mainly think about our jobs, money and relationships. Even those who do think about global environmental issues often feel powerless and frightened and so they quickly switch their thoughts to other more comfortable subjects. However, our society is made up of many inpiduals and hopefully all the governments and the United Nations will respond positively to a genuine change in public opinion and environmental consciousness.

　　Inner Peace Education

　　 At the same time we need to clean and recycle not only our wastes, but also the inner pollution of our negative emotions and destructive attitudes, if we are to live happily in our cities.

　　 We can learn from Buddhism how to deal with many of psychological causes of stress in modern cities; lack of friendships, breakdown of traditional family structures, loneliness, poverty, competitiveness, uncertainty about the future and violence. Now both our emotional lives and our cities are full of violence and lack peace and harmony. We need to recognize this.

　　 In the next century, in many countries there will be intense competition for human resources such as work, money, living space, nutritious food, clean water and air. As ”mega-cities” become more common, non-violent education will become vital in the prevention of widespread urban crime and civil unrest. We need education to overcome inner darkness, fear, inner violence and prejudice, so we do not express our destructive habits against our fellow citizens and the environment. Inner Peace Education helps us deal with the stress of modern living…

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