IBTimes.ID – The state of the environment, especially the global climate, is getting worse. Currently, even the world is entering the phase of global boiling, no longer global warming. This expression by the UN Secretary General reinforces the existential threat to civilisation on Earth due to environmental problems and the Earth’s increasingly hot temperatures.
Environmental issues and the future of the Earth were discussed in the Global Forum for Climate Movement, a collaboration between Muhammadiyah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenlu RI). This activity was held on 17-18 November 2023 at Ahmad Dahlan University Yogyakarta. This agenda is part of Muhammadiyah’s 111th anniversary.
Haedar Nashir, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, stated that the climate crisis is very dangerous. In fact, he mentioned that the impact of climate crisis is more dangerous than a nuclear bomb. This is because the damage is multidimensional and if it continues, the damage will be irreversible.
Haedar also underlined that environmental damage did not just happen, but started since the anthropocene era. This means that environmental damage is rooted in the paradigm of anthropocentrism. This paradigm positions humans as dominant, powerful, and hegemonic towards nature. Thus, a paradigm shift is needed from anthropocentrism to theoanthropocentrism.
“We declare a view that is in a theoanthropocentric perspective. This paradigm positions heaven and earth as one entity. So that humans as khalifah fil ardh, have values, have ethics, that we must protect and preserve life together,” said Haedar in his speech.
For Haedar, if we do not act immediately, the current state of the Earth will have a serious impact and become a gamble for the future of civilisation for humans. “The condition of life will resemble doomsday, both literally, and metaphorically bringing the impact of death and apocalypse of ecosystems and economic, social, political, and cultural life,” Haedar said.
Muhammadiyah views and believes that this global forum is not only inspiring and an alternative view, but also building and saving nature with a paradigm of building without destroying, presenting a movement that is shared throughout the world from the people of every nation. Muhammadiyah built and developed the Muhammadiyah Climate Centre, which will be an instrument for a new movement to face climate change to save the world.
Muhammadiyah’s efforts were supported by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi. In an online speech, Retno revealed Indonesia’s contribution to support net zero emission through emission reduction in 2030 as stated in the nationally determined contribution (NDC). Retno said that Indonesia increased its climate target in the form of unconditional NDC from 29% to 31.89% while conditional NDC from 41% to 43.2%.
Retno, who wished Muhammadiyah a happy anniversary, also conveyed three points on the importance of religious organisations in supporting efforts to save the Earth from the climate crisis. “First, building relationships with the community to disseminate information and awareness about climate. Second, intellectual contributions, especially for the younger generation to be informed, motivated, and contribute. Third, providing moral and ethical guidance by disseminating environmentally friendly ideas and practices, as Muhammadiyah has done,” Retno said.
Meanwhile, as stated by General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti in his welcome speech, Muhammadiyah launched the Muhammadiyah Climate Center as a centre of culture, innovation, and cooperation for climate. The forum and launch was witnessed by Muhammadiyah’s extended family throughout Indonesia, academics, representatives of national and international organisations, and delegates from 13 countries worldwide.
The Muhammadiyah Climate Centre is an affirmation of Muhammadiyah’s activities in the environmental field since 2005 through the Environmental Institute (which has now become the Environmental Assembly). In addition, since the pandemic Aisyiyah has also been involved in dealing with the climate crisis and building the resilience of Indonesian families and communities. Muhammadiyah has also mobilised Green Eid-ul-Fitr and Green Eid-ul-Adha, in addition to the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IPM) organisation that has taken action for climate involving 2,000 students from 80 districts/cities across Indonesia.
The Global Forum for Climate Movement also involved Yayasan Visi Indonesia Raya Emisi Zero Bersih (ViriyaENB), Bank Syariah Indonesia, and Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah Muhammadiyah (LazisMu). As an example that collaborative efforts are essential for the pro-climate movement, it is also necessary to support faith-based funding such as zakat to contribute to a forum that is very useful in supporting the climate movement.
Reporter: Nabhan
