Religious Faith in Environmental Protection

Abstract

Since the beginning of time, humanity has been provided with nourishment by the various environmental elements that constitute nature. However, use of the diverse renewable and non-renewable resources emits greenhouse gases leading to the consequences of climatic change. The increasing build-up of the climatic catastrophe has led humanity to the reality that earth is, for the most part, a closed system and environmental protection is the means to a continued survival.  Religion plays a great role in shaping attitude towards the natural world with the principles of ecological harmony established centuries ago to inculcate a system of ethical awareness and moral responsibility. World religions, each in their own way, offer a unique set of moral values and rules to guide human beings in their relationship with the environment. Though religious groups differ in their beliefs and practices, religious faith can be very influential in speaking out more about the environment. The United Nations thus recognise that faith-based organizations as key players in eradicating poverty, improving people’s health, protecting the environment, and working toward sustainable development to fulfil the objectives of the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. Spiritual leaders at all levels are critical to the success of the global solidarity for an ethical, moral and spiritual commitment to protect the environment and God’s creation.

 Keywords: climatic change, religious faith, world religions, environmental protection, faith-based organizations, Sustainable Development Goals