Ecology Monks: The Intersection of Buddhism and the Environment

In the face of deforestation, climate change, and extreme flooding in Thailand, Buddhist monks are stepping up as environmental leaders. Although the Buddhist religion typically emphasizes a detachment from society, these monks are acting as environmental advocates through ritual, advising in the political sphere, and agricultural work. By putting the Thai environmental movement on a moral platform, ecology monks are encouraging followers to protect the environment as a religious duty.