There are three overarching global environmental challenges: climate change, ecosystem degradation and pollution. As this triple crisis continues to deteriorate our planet, it is clear that human activity and behaviour towards the environment must change.
Faith actors can be particularly influential in this regard given that faith teachings are holistic in nature and relate to all areas of life. These must be leveraged to inspire environmentally positive behavioural changes amongst adherents and to support sustainable development. Additionally, faith-based organisations (FBOs) share intrinsic notions of moral responsibility and human rights with multilateral organisations such as the UN, with their work grounded in strong spiritual ethics.
This report argues that these qualities demand that FBOs be better integrated into environmental governance and policy-making processes, from the local to the global level. To support this argument, the report outlines the role of faith, ethics, values, and culture, highlighting the benefits of values-based approaches in addressing environmental challenges.
“Often we forget that protecting nature, is not only about us, we also have a moral duty to protect and use wisely the planet, its bounty, and every living being on it.”
(Inger Andersen, Faith for Nature: Multi-Faith Action, 2020)
The report was shared during Skálholt III in October 2021 and covers developments in the faith-environment nexus to date and proposes a road map ahead to ensure that the value of engaging with faith actors is more broadly recognised.
