Climate Change, Sustainable Behavior and Religion

In this talk recorded during the United Nations climate conference COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Rabbi Yonatan Neril explores the deep connections between climate change, sustainable behavior, and religious values. Speaking as the founding director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD), Rabbi Neril highlights the spiritual dimensions of today’s ecological crisis and the important role faith communities can play in creating meaningful environmental change.

Addressing a multifaith press conference co-organized by ICSD and partner organizations, Rabbi Neril explains how excessive consumption, materialism, and disconnection from spiritual values contribute to environmental degradation and climate instability. He argues that technological and political solutions alone are not enough, and that humanity must also address the inner and moral causes of unsustainable behavior.

The talk emphasizes how religious teachings can inspire stewardship, moderation, compassion, responsibility, and care for creation. By drawing on shared spiritual principles across faith traditions, Rabbi Neril presents a vision of environmental action rooted not only in policy and science, but also in ethics, consciousness, and spiritual transformation.

This discussion offers an interfaith perspective on sustainability and highlights the growing role of religious leadership in global climate conversations and ecological solutions.