How can religion catalyze climate action?

At the very core of human nature is religion. Since our very beginnings, a diverse array of religions have existed and continue to do so, each providing its explanation of our meaning and purpose in this world. According to the VisualCapitalist, today, 84% of the world’s population identifies with a particular religion. Religious beliefs guide us to live in accordance with practices and principles, from the most general ways of life to more specific ones, such as dictating one's clothing and speech. Due to the unprecedented climate crisis, many are exploring the role of religion as a bridge to environmental action. As religious communities put more focus on their responsibility to protect the planet, it is worth discussing examples of how we can better maximize our faith for the earth.??

Early Beginnings

In many households, especially in the developing world, parenting is centered around religious teachings. Children as young as two or three years of age can effectively memorize excerpts of holy books and prayers while being able to emulate any physical forms of worship from those around them. The effect of these impressions, teachings, and examples cannot be understated and often persist much into the later stages of life. Improved incorporation of environmental teachings into religious education can spur increased awareness and encourage the upcoming generation to practice more sustainable lifestyles. While parents need to provide suitable examples, more formal avenues, such as through schooling or extracurricular programs should be explored as well.?

A UNESCO survey in 2021 that reached more than 60,000 teachers worldwide concluded that while 95% of teachers feel that climate change is an important topic to teach, less than 40% are confident in teaching about it. If we can effectively link science with religious teachings, which are often more practical, students can be given concrete steps to start sustainable practices, even though they may not yet fully understand the effects and severity of the climate crisis. This is not to understate the importance of a holistic understanding, but starting in the right direction might inspire curiosity and further action beyond the classroom. This further underscores the importance of climate upskilling for teachers and parents alike.??

Leading by Example

Places of worship often serve as more than just places of prayer. They often act as hubs and facilitate a multitude of activities for surrounding communities. Considering their influence, these places must serve as models for the communities they serve, be it in what they preach, who runs them, and how they manage their facilities.

For example, the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia with a capacity of over 200,000 worshippers, has installed over 500 units of solar panels, amounting to a capacity of 150 kWp. This installation helps the mosque reduce its carbon emissions by over 119 tons of carbon per year, and its electricity bill by over IDR 28 million per month, according to Greenpeace Indonesia. In 2022, it also became the first place of worship in the world to obtain an Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, which is a system designed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for green buildings. Several other places of worship of various religions have ‘led by example’ like Istiqlal, exemplifying the importance of the introduction of environmentally friendly practices and technologies to worshippers, which can serve as a gateway to inspiring further action. Simple actions such as reminders to conserve water, proper waste management, and sermons on the environment are different ways places of worship can serve as trailblazers.?

Community Action

With the rise of social media, campaigns have never been more widespread. Establish a message that resonates with the masses, wrap that into an aesthetically-pleasing design, and post regularly, you can easily garner an audience of thousands. Religious environmental movements have been no exception.

The Save Aru movement, which started in 2013 and was led by Catholic and Protestant leaders, was successful in preventing over 5000 square kilometers of land in the island regency of Aru, Indonesia from being turned into a sugar plantation by an international corporation. At the very tip of the iceberg, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 2019 launched the Faith for Earth Initiative, which focuses on facilitating interfaith dialogues and action for the climate. Its environmental assembly in 2019 gathered 135 faith leaders from 12 different religions. The initiative has now, according to the most recent data published by the UNEP, evolved into an international network of representatives from 109 countries, with 16 regional offices, and is planning to launch its 5-year strategy for engaging faith-based actors.

Greenpeace has also launched Ummah 4 Earth, an “alliance-led” initiative for the environment. They provide guides on practicing Islam in an environmentally-friendly manner and implement on-the-ground projects such as renewable energy installation and tree planting. ?

Final Thoughts

Climate change has already or is soon to affect everyone, regardless of race, age, and religion. Though certain minorities or groups are particularly vulnerable, it is our collective responsibility to ensure a liveable and healthy planet for generations to come. Though religious teachings and examples have the potential to catalyze environmental action for many, not all will resonate with that message. Some will be more interested in the science or health impacts, while others may not care at all until they feel severe effects. We must recognize the bottom line that this is a shared goal for everyone and their children’s livelihood. Collaborative action with individuals and groups of all backgrounds and upbringings, including activists, government, and corporations, is crucial to realizing the solutions at the scale needed to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to the worst effects of climate change.?