Most of the world’s religions — including Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism — have said that protecting vulnerable people and the earth are moral imperatives. These values are inspiring religious leaders to speak out on climate change.

TUCKER: “Clearly this is already adversely affecting vulnerable people of lower incomes be it in the first world or the 3rd world. So there is an environmental justice issue here.”

That’s Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-director of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. She says religious organizations have a special role to play, given their size, power and unique voice.

TUCKER: “Right now the climate discussions are driven by science, by economists, and by policy makers, all of which are absolutely crucial. But the behavioral changes, the moral sense of what is happening to the planet, is something that only the religions can bring in a certain way. Religions can raise a moral voice.”

Tucker believes science, policy and religion — working together — can achieve global action on climate change.

Reporting credits: ChavoBart Digital Media.
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More Resources
The Forum on Religion and Ecology
Emerging Earth Community
Journey of the Universe
Emerging Force on Climate Change: Religion, Ecology, Ethics, and Morality
Nationwide Climate ‘Preach-In’ To Target Broad Faith-Group Congregations