Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric conditions driven primarily by human activitiesDraft overviewActivitiesIn Jain philosophical and ethical literature, “activities” (often discussed under terms such as *kriyā*, *vyāpāra*, *pravṛtti*, and *yoga*) refer to the bodily, verbal, and mental engagements through which living beings …—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that increase greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Scientific consensus affirms that the planet has warmed significantly since the late 19th century, with the most rapid changes occurring in recent decades. These changes manifest in rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more frequent extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and disruptions to ecosystems.
From a Jain studies perspective, climate change is understood within the broader ethical framework of ahimsaDraft overviewAhimsaAhimsa, often translated as non‑violence or non‑harm, is one of the foundational ethical principles of Jainism and is regarded as the highest dharma (paramo dharmaḥ). In Jain thought, ahimsa is not merely the avoidance o… (non-harm), aparigrahaDraft overviewAparigrahaAparigraha, usually translated as non-attachment or non-possession, is one of the central ethical and spiritual principles of Jainism. It appears both as a major vow (mahāvrata) for ascetics and as a minor or limited vow… (non-possessiveness), and the karmic consequences of actions that disturb living beings and natural systems. While Jain primary texts do not discuss modern climate science, they contain extensive reflections on environmental restraint, the interdependence of life forms, and the moral implications of exploiting natural resources. These teachings provide a foundation for interpreting climate change as a form of collective harm arising from excessive consumption and violence toward the earth’s ecosystems.
Modern scholarship often highlights how Jain ecological ethics—especially the emphasis on minimizing harm to all forms of life—align with contemporary sustainability principles. Climate change thus becomes not only a scientific and policy issue but also a moral and spiritual concern, inviting reflection on personal conduct, societal systems, and global responsibility.