Buddhist Environmental Humanism: Doing Good for Self and Others

Since the emergence of the field of religious environmentalism, Buddhism has been a key resource in shaping a religious environmental ethics. This book contributes to the global dialogue on religion and ecology by introducing the concept of Buddhist environmental humanism as a framework for understanding Buddhism's response to the contemporary ecological crisis. The author argues that through a humanistic lens, Buddhist environmentalism offers a deeper understanding of how Buddhism addresses the pressing challenges facing humanity, while also properly ascribing agency and responsibility to humans within the broader community of beings. Central to this proposal is a recognition of the essential human role within the ecological crisis while carefully avoiding the pitfalls of anthropocentrism and human chauvinism.

About the Author :
Dr Anthony Le Duc is Executive Director, Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication, St John's University, Thailand

Review :
'Anthony Le Duc's Buddhist Environmental Humanism: Doing Good for Self and Others is a profound and timely work that bridges Buddhist ethics and ecological responsibility. With scholarly depth and spiritual insight, Le Duc presents a compelling vision where environmental care begins with inner moral transformation. Grounded in Therav da teachings and relevant to global concerns, the book offers a refreshing alternative to materialist solutions one that nurtures both the planet and the soul. It is an essential read for those seeking wisdom-based responses to today's ecological crises, affirming that true healing starts with compassionate, spiritually grounded human action.'- Ivan Efreaim Gozum, Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines'Buddhist Environmental humanism is a very refreshing and elucidate guide for understanding the environmental crisis and its response from a Buddhist perspective today. This book admirably connects the spiritual and cultural transformations with the environmental problems confronting the world as the result of consumeristic greed fuelled by selfish hearts. The comprehensive presentation of Buddhist humanism and the lucid analysis of the relevant topics make the book all the more interesting and useful. It's a must read for those looking for the developmental dimension of Buddhism and its calls for liberation through mindfulness and compassion. It will be handy both for the policymakers, and philosophers, both in the inter-religious dialogue and academics. It is a testament to the goal of achieving an authentic ecological civilisation, diversity, collaboration and inclusivity. It is a golden opportunity to expound, science and religion which can bring more light, enlightenment, and sustainable relationship with nature.'- Sebastian Periannan, PhD, Annai College of Arts and Science, Kumbakonam, India'In an age where the moral foundations of our relationship with nature are eroding, Anthony Le Duc offers a luminous guide grounded in the Therav da Buddhist tradition. Buddhist Environmental Humanism is not merely a theological exposition; it is a deeply ethical invitation one that reconnects the inner work of self-cultivation with the outer demands of ecological responsibility. I consider this work among the most compelling articulations of how Buddhist wisdom can contribute to the planetary conversation on sustainability. It is not only timely, it is important and necessary.'- Chandrabhanu Pattanayak, Director, Institute of Knowledge Societies and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Committee on I4T for Knowledge'There have been many attempts to use philosophy, or even religious teachings, to develop ecological ethics. In today's society, wherein consumerism and a technocratic paradigm loom and damage the common home, it is important to look at these attempts in order to foster a society that cares to do good for the community and the common abode. Within this context, Fr. Anthony Le Duc's book offers a fresh perspective on bridging Buddhist thoughts and ecological concerns. He offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of how Theravada Buddhism, interpreted through the lens of religious humanism, can meaningfully engage the pressing ecological crisis of the Anthropocene. Building on a deep engagement with classical Buddhist teachings, contemporary environmental philosophy, and interreligious dialogue, the book charts a compelling path from individual self-cultivation to global ecological transformation. Le Duc's argument is as spiritually grounded as it is ethically urgent - addressing environmental degradation requires external, policy-driven solutions and a profound inner transformation rooted in moral and spiritual development. In a world increasingly threatened by ecological breakdown, Le Duc reminds us that the path to healing lies not only in better laws or greener technologies but in better people - people who are spiritually awake, ethically responsible, and compassionately engaged. The book's message is ultimately one of hope, not naive optimism but grounded confidence in the transformative power of the Dhamma. Le Duc provides a route that is both ancient and urgently modern by establishing environmental action rooted in real humanhood development. He invites readers to become people who do good for self and others - a radical but straightforward prescription for a world needing healing.'- Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, in Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 26, Number 2, June 2025