Today, 22 September is Loss and Damage Day, a day to take action in solidarity with communities bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. UK Charity Go Dharmic is leading a twelve hour fast at Parliament Square, London. The event includes people of all faiths, and none.
Some people who are fasting are spending the day in Parliament Square, London, while other individuals and groups, are fasting worldwide. Groups joining Go Dharmic include many faith-based individuals and organizations including Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and secular groups, who will join hands in prayer, vigil, and charity. The group says that with climate change paralyzing the growth of countries and ruining millions of lives, it is imperative that rich countries and companies take responsibility for this loss and damage.
Loss and damage: a vital social issue
Hanuman Dass, Chairman & Founder, Go Dharmic says:
“Faith in the idea that dharma is fairness, equality and love for all beings informs every decision I make. It is clear as day that loss and damage is a social justice issue as important as the civil rights movement. Loss and Damage is marching alongside all who suffer in silence, it is my faith in vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the idea that we are all one human family) that wholly influence my work.”
Olivia Hanks, Climate Justice Lead for Quakers in Britain says:
“Quakers believe in the equality of all people, and we believe we have a responsibility to challenge injustice. In the case of loss and damage caused by climate change, the injustice is stark: people are losing their homes and livelihoods, losing everything they know and love, because of a crisis caused by others – with no compensation or redress. And at the same time, the fossil fuel companies responsible for climate breakdown continue to make vast profits. Through Loss and Damage Action Day, we hope to get lots more people talking about this, and to start a national conversation about who should be paying the bill for climate breakdown.”
