Adapting Confucianism for a Greener China


China has a rich history of ecological thought, shaped by its unique geography, culture, and political systems. As the world's worst polluter (fossil fuel emissions are twice that of the USA), China must make significant strides towards sustainable development. In order to do so, China should center ecocentric and biocentric thought as a means of achieving sustainable development. 

Though technically an atheist state, Confucianism is a significant philosophy (considered religious in some spheres) subscribed to in China. By incorporating more ecocentric teachings, Confucian is emerging as a force for a greener China. 

Confucianism, historically, is seen to be quite anthropocentric, as it focuses mainly on human relationships and social harmony. However, if we look closer into the teachings of Confucianism, we find ecocentric and biocentric threads. 

A main tenant of Confucianism is the balance and harmony between humanity, heaven, and earth. Ancient Confucian philosopher Dong Zhongshu theorized: "The three act together as hands and feet join together to complete the body and none can be dispensed with," highlighting the intrinsic and equal value of the earth alongside humanity. These three aspects are seen as partners, neither above or below the other in value.

Additionally, the notion of qi exists in Confucianism, believed to be a vital life source that runs through all living things, in humanity and nature. Given this, Confucianism emphasizes respect for nature and humanity's responsibility to care for the interests of nature. 

In recent years, there has been a great push to incorporate ecological values into the philosophy. 

In 2013, the International Confucian Ecological Alliance (ICEA) was formed, an assemblage of major Chinese Confucian organizations. This conference designated two cities to model Confucian ecological values: Dengfeng in Henan, and Qufu in Shandong, Confucius's birthplace. 

This is part of a greater movement to turn global pilgrimage sites greener. Additionally, over 100 lecture events were planned in partnership with China's Ministry of Education, focused on Confucianism and ecology. An academic board was also established to develop scholarly research on Confucian values and ecology. 


Mandarin/English Key Terms

儒学 - Confucianism

生态中心主义 - ecocentrism

生物中心主义 - biocentrism

气 - qi

生态 - ecology

儒家价值观 - Confucian values




Links to further reading:

http://www.arcworld.org/faiths7b9c.html?pageID=182

http://www.arcworld.org/news9654.html?pageID=546

https://chinadialogue.net/en/nature/6502-daoism-confucianism-and-the-environment/

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