Michael Borchard on Renegotiating Nature: Religious Education in the Era of Climate Change Summit

In this opening address at the Religious Education in the Era of Climate Change Summit, Dr. Michael Borchard, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Jerusalem, welcomes participants and highlights the importance of interfaith cooperation in addressing the global climate crisis.

Speaking on behalf of KAS and its partnership with the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, Dr. Michael emphasizes that environmental challenges transcend national, political, ethnic, and religious boundaries. He argues that climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable development are shared concerns that require collaboration across faith communities and international borders.

Drawing on the success of the previous summit, which brought together Christian, Jewish, and Muslim clergy, seminarians, and community leaders, Dr. Michael explains how environmental stewardship can serve as common ground for dialogue, mutual understanding, and peacebuilding. He stresses that religious leaders have a unique role in raising awareness and providing moral guidance on ecological issues.

The address explores how environmental action can help bridge divides, reduce intolerance, and foster empathy between communities. Referencing insights from faith leaders and environmental thinkers, Dr. Michael underscores the idea that ecology is a unifying force capable of connecting people despite religious and national differences.

Concluding with a message of optimism and determination, he encourages participants to continue building interfaith partnerships and advancing sustainable solutions through education, dialogue, and collective action.

For more from the Religious Education in the Era of Climate Change Summit, please see this video of Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker’s inspiring commentary.