Ling Jiou Mountain’s GFLP Teams Up with Global Partners to Advance Climate Education
Youth Participants Win Top Climate Action Honors under the “Billion Oyster Project”
Founded by Grand Master Hsin Tao, the founding abbot of Ling Jiou Mountain, the 'Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP)' is an international organization devoted to advancing the ideals of peace and sustainability. Its 'Here On Earth' grassroots campaign, based in New York, recently concluded the fourth edition of its Climate Leadership Development Program with resounding success. Three outstanding youth participants were selected for their environmental project proposals: Ashley, a junior at Columbia Secondary School; Avalon, a graduate of the University of Tokyo; and Luka, a senior at Harbor School, a New York maritime academy.
The 'Here On Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program has forged meaningful partnerships with global organizations focused on ocean and climate issues. Highlights include co-hosting the “Ocean Day: Water City Youth Visual Diary” with the Climate Imagination Alliance and active participation in the “Billion Oyster Project“—a flagship marine conservation initiative in the New York area. As part of the program, 'Here On Earth' students submitted proposals to the Project’s marine conservation action call. Out of approximately 900 entries across New York, three participants from the program stood out and were honored with Outstanding Climate Action Awards.
From Awareness to Action: Here On Earth Uses Imagery to Pioneer New Avenues in Environmental Innovation
Through a series of workshops and in-person field visits, the 'Here on Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program nurtured participants’ visual storytelling skills and deepened their critical thinking on environmental issues. The three selected proposals stood out for their strong potential to drive climate action and their grounding in the core principles of sustainable development.
Ashley’s short film “89 Seconds” takes its title from the “Doomsday Clock”, symbolizing how close humanity is to irreversible catastrophe — in this case, just 89 seconds from the end. Tackling the issue of climate anxiety, Ashley highlighted a major challenge facing the environmental movement: a widespread sense of helplessness, where individuals feel that nothing they do can make a difference.
In response, Ashley proposed three concrete countermeasures:
1.Supporting on-campus environmental clubs with fundraising efforts to help expand their reach
2.Continuing to produce short environmental videos as a form of creative climate communication
3.Purchasing sewing machines to mend old clothes, advocating for sustainable living through reuse, and mindful consumption
Her conceptual approach, blending ideological depth with practical action, impressed the jury and earned her one of the top awards.
Avalon, a graduate of the Environmental Studies program at the University of Tokyo, explored the relationship between humanity and spiritual ecology in her project titled “Climart Citizen.” Her climate action plan highlights the power of environmentally conscious public art to embed ecological awareness into everyday life across diverse spaces.
Avalon proposed a structured three-year implementation plan:
Year 1 would focus on fundraising and identifying suitable public venues — such as subway stations, parks, and outdoor billboards — to serve as platforms for environmental art and engagement.
Year 2 would bring together eco-minded artists to collaboratively create digital artworks rooted in environmental themes.
Year 3 would present these works in public exhibitions to foster dialogue between individuals and their inner spirituality, as well as among communities and broader society.
By bridging art, ecology, and spirituality, Avalon aims to spark public conversations that help embed environmental values more deeply in education and policy-making.
Luka, a senior student at Harbor School, presented his project "Sun and Water" which centered on capturing underwater sounds—from marine life to the rhythms of the tides—to sonically portray the ocean's essence. Through this attentive listening, Luka sought to unveil the hidden mysteries of the deep sea while exploring the intersection of spirituality, mythology, and the marine world. His work not only impressed the judges but also positioned him as a vital link between student-led environmental initiatives and his school, fostering greater collaboration on marine conservation efforts.
The "Centering Wonder and Water" co-hosted with the Climate Imaginarium, welcomed environmental and spiritual authors to lead forums that explored climate and ocean issues from diverse perspectives. City High School student Yuva presented her piece, “Voice of River”, which introduced the idea of “rights of nature” by posing a provocative question of “What would nature say if it had a voice of its own?” Her work invited audiences to shift beyond human- and economy-centered thinking toward a more imaginative understanding of humanity’s possible symbiosis with the natural world. By moving past anxiety and moralizing tones, the piece sparked deep emotional resonance.
Mobile Climate Film Festival Hits Campuses, Amplifying Youth Voices and Impact
In addition to film screenings and a forum featuring young climate leaders, the event also welcomed two professors from the State University of New York, Amara Smith and Laura Chipley, who guided audiences through 500 years of the Hudson River’s environmental history using virtual reality (VR) technology. The immersive experience prompted critical reflection: “The environmental devastation caused by colonialism and industrial pollution is a major chapter in human history. If we hope to move toward a future of mutual flourishing and interdependence between humanity and nature, what must we begin doing now?” The event drew wide attention and participation, with environmental organizations such as the Environmental Writers’ Union and Climate Coffee in attendance.
Lu Chih-Lan, Director of Education at the Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP), noted that the "Centering Wonder and Water" has already toured venues such as City High School, the Hewitt School, and the Climate Imaginarium. As a mobile, action-based film festival, she emphasized, “Wherever the audience is, that’s where the festival goes.”
Lu further noted that what set this year’s 4th 'Here on Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program apart was its extensive external engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Key partners included the “Billion Oyster Project“, Harbor School, the State University of New York, and the Climate Imaginarium.
“We’re evolving from a single-point focus on student empowerment to broader, society-facing engagement,” Lu emphasized. “With GFLP serving as a central hub, we aim to generate maximum impact with minimal resources by integrating external partnerships and support.”
She expressed her hope that the growing cohorts of trained youth leaders will come together as a new wave of environmental action. Through their voices, ideas, and actions, they can inspire more of their generation to join the global climate and environmental movement—and continue speaking out for our planet.
The 'Here On Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program has forged meaningful partnerships with global organizations focused on ocean and climate issues. Highlights include co-hosting the “Ocean Day: Water City Youth Visual Diary” with the Climate Imagination Alliance and active participation in the “Billion Oyster Project“—a flagship marine conservation initiative in the New York area. As part of the program, 'Here On Earth' students submitted proposals to the Project’s marine conservation action call. Out of approximately 900 entries across New York, three participants from the program stood out and were honored with Outstanding Climate Action Awards.
From Awareness to Action: Here On Earth Uses Imagery to Pioneer New Avenues in Environmental Innovation
Through a series of workshops and in-person field visits, the 'Here on Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program nurtured participants’ visual storytelling skills and deepened their critical thinking on environmental issues. The three selected proposals stood out for their strong potential to drive climate action and their grounding in the core principles of sustainable development.
Ashley’s short film “89 Seconds” takes its title from the “Doomsday Clock”, symbolizing how close humanity is to irreversible catastrophe — in this case, just 89 seconds from the end. Tackling the issue of climate anxiety, Ashley highlighted a major challenge facing the environmental movement: a widespread sense of helplessness, where individuals feel that nothing they do can make a difference.
In response, Ashley proposed three concrete countermeasures:
1.Supporting on-campus environmental clubs with fundraising efforts to help expand their reach
2.Continuing to produce short environmental videos as a form of creative climate communication
3.Purchasing sewing machines to mend old clothes, advocating for sustainable living through reuse, and mindful consumption
Her conceptual approach, blending ideological depth with practical action, impressed the jury and earned her one of the top awards.
Avalon, a graduate of the Environmental Studies program at the University of Tokyo, explored the relationship between humanity and spiritual ecology in her project titled “Climart Citizen.” Her climate action plan highlights the power of environmentally conscious public art to embed ecological awareness into everyday life across diverse spaces.
Avalon proposed a structured three-year implementation plan:
Year 1 would focus on fundraising and identifying suitable public venues — such as subway stations, parks, and outdoor billboards — to serve as platforms for environmental art and engagement.
Year 2 would bring together eco-minded artists to collaboratively create digital artworks rooted in environmental themes.
Year 3 would present these works in public exhibitions to foster dialogue between individuals and their inner spirituality, as well as among communities and broader society.
By bridging art, ecology, and spirituality, Avalon aims to spark public conversations that help embed environmental values more deeply in education and policy-making.
Luka, a senior student at Harbor School, presented his project "Sun and Water" which centered on capturing underwater sounds—from marine life to the rhythms of the tides—to sonically portray the ocean's essence. Through this attentive listening, Luka sought to unveil the hidden mysteries of the deep sea while exploring the intersection of spirituality, mythology, and the marine world. His work not only impressed the judges but also positioned him as a vital link between student-led environmental initiatives and his school, fostering greater collaboration on marine conservation efforts.
The "Centering Wonder and Water" co-hosted with the Climate Imaginarium, welcomed environmental and spiritual authors to lead forums that explored climate and ocean issues from diverse perspectives. City High School student Yuva presented her piece, “Voice of River”, which introduced the idea of “rights of nature” by posing a provocative question of “What would nature say if it had a voice of its own?” Her work invited audiences to shift beyond human- and economy-centered thinking toward a more imaginative understanding of humanity’s possible symbiosis with the natural world. By moving past anxiety and moralizing tones, the piece sparked deep emotional resonance.
Mobile Climate Film Festival Hits Campuses, Amplifying Youth Voices and Impact
In addition to film screenings and a forum featuring young climate leaders, the event also welcomed two professors from the State University of New York, Amara Smith and Laura Chipley, who guided audiences through 500 years of the Hudson River’s environmental history using virtual reality (VR) technology. The immersive experience prompted critical reflection: “The environmental devastation caused by colonialism and industrial pollution is a major chapter in human history. If we hope to move toward a future of mutual flourishing and interdependence between humanity and nature, what must we begin doing now?” The event drew wide attention and participation, with environmental organizations such as the Environmental Writers’ Union and Climate Coffee in attendance.
Lu Chih-Lan, Director of Education at the Global Family for Love and Peace (GFLP), noted that the "Centering Wonder and Water" has already toured venues such as City High School, the Hewitt School, and the Climate Imaginarium. As a mobile, action-based film festival, she emphasized, “Wherever the audience is, that’s where the festival goes.”
Lu further noted that what set this year’s 4th 'Here on Earth' Climate Leadership Development Program apart was its extensive external engagement and cross-sector collaboration. Key partners included the “Billion Oyster Project“, Harbor School, the State University of New York, and the Climate Imaginarium.
“We’re evolving from a single-point focus on student empowerment to broader, society-facing engagement,” Lu emphasized. “With GFLP serving as a central hub, we aim to generate maximum impact with minimal resources by integrating external partnerships and support.”
She expressed her hope that the growing cohorts of trained youth leaders will come together as a new wave of environmental action. Through their voices, ideas, and actions, they can inspire more of their generation to join the global climate and environmental movement—and continue speaking out for our planet.