Spiritual sustainability: a Swedish Bishop speaks out
Bishop Andreas Holmberg speaks about spirituality and sustainability at a side event of the UN Stockholm +50 Sustainable Development Conference in June 2022. This side event was co-organized by: Swedish Pentecostal International Relief and Development Agency, LM International, SMC-faith in Development, Faith for Earth Initiative within UNEP. This talk explores the idea that sustainability discussions often focus too narrowly on economic, social, and ecological dimensions while overlooking the deeper need for spiritual sustainability. The speaker argues that human beings are more than biological or socioeconomic entities—we are also spiritual beings shaped by meaning, purpose, and values. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling within faith traditions and how religious communities have long helped societies imagine what a flourishing and just life can look like. In a world increasingly driven by technology, statistics, and economic systems, the speaker suggests that humanity urgently needs new stories—or the rediscovery of older wisdom traditions—to…
The Climate Crisis and Religious Action: Insights from the UN Climate Conference
Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founding director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD), speaks about the essential role religion and faith communities can play in addressing the climate crisis. He explores the spiritual roots of today’s ecological challenges and explains why meaningful climate action requires not only technological and political change, but also a transformation of values, attitudes, and human behavior. Speaking at a multifaith press conference during the United Nations climate conference COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Rabbi Neril highlights how religious traditions have long guided moral and spiritual transformation. He argues that climate justice and environmental responsibility depend on a “change of heart” that religions are uniquely positioned to inspire. The video emphasizes the growing role of religious leaders and interfaith collaboration in promoting sustainability, ecological awareness, and collective action to protect the planet for future generations.
Spiritual Environmentalism– Connecting Religion and Ecology
In this interactive conversation, Rabbi Yonatan Neril and Yehonatan Kirsh explore the intersection of religion, ecology, and environmental ethics through a Jewish spiritual lens. The discussion covers a wide range of topics related to sustainability, faith, human responsibility, and the ecological challenges facing the modern world. Topics in the video include Judaism’s teachings on the environment, the ethical treatment of animals, reducing meat consumption, food waste, environmental degradation, climate responsibility, and the spiritual roots of ecological awareness. The conversation also addresses broader philosophical and theological questions about suffering, monotheism, religious pluralism, political identity, and humanity’s relationship with creation. Additional themes include Torah teachings on stewardship, “shepherd consciousness,” ecological leadership, hope in environmentalism, and practical ways to cultivate greater awareness and responsibility in daily life. The session concludes with a personal story, blessings for the world, and a musical jam session.
To End Poverty We Also Must Curb Climate Change
Ending poverty requires that we have a stable planet, as Rabbi Yonatan Neril shares. In order to achieve this, we need to curb climate change. This was recorded during a workshop of the Eco Preacher cohort of the BTS Center. Rabbi Neril is founder and executive director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development.
Greed and Desire: Spiritual Roots of the Climate Crisis
Rabbi Yonatan Neril, founder and executive director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, discusses how greed and unchecked desire are among the spiritual roots of the climate crisis. He explains that addressing climate change requires more than technological solutions—it also calls for a transformation in human values, attitudes, and behavior. Recorded during a workshop of the Eco Preacher cohort of the BTS Center, this talk explores the connection between spirituality, ethics, and environmental responsibility, emphasizing the role faith communities can play in fostering meaningful ecological change.
Sustainability and Spirituality Go Hand in Hand
Rabbi Yonatan Neril reflects on the profound relationship between religion and ecology, suggesting that the two can be understood as deeply interconnected and even inseparable. He discusses how spiritual teachings and ecological awareness both point toward a more responsible and compassionate relationship with the natural world. This talk was recorded during a workshop of the Eco Preacher cohort of the BTS Center, where participants explored the role of faith traditions in responding to environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
The Spiritual Power of Blessing our Bread – Rabbi Bill Kaplan
Rabbi Bill Kaplan, Executive Director of the Shalom Institute in Malibu, CA, reflects on how traditional food blessings can deepen awareness of the complex systems behind the food people eat every day. From growing and harvesting to transportation and preparation, the speaker emphasizes that food does not simply appear—it is connected to ecological, ethical, and spiritual processes that deserve mindful attention. Drawing on Jewish teachings and experiences at the Shalom Institute camp, the discussion highlights how blessings before meals can cultivate consciousness about environmental responsibility, ethical food production, animal welfare, and stewardship of the Earth. By understanding where food comes from and how it is produced, individuals and communities can better recognize the ecological challenges embedded within modern food systems. The video encourages viewers to slow down, approach eating as a spiritual experience, and develop both personal and collective awareness around sustainability, mindful consumption, and care for creation.
How can humanity live in harmony with the planet? | BWNS
A diverse group of social leaders in the United Kingdom—including scientists, civil society representatives, and members of religious communities—gathered at St. George’s House in Windsor Castle to explore how religion can inspire unity and collective action on climate change. Founded more than 50 years ago by the Duke of Edinburgh, St. George’s House promotes dialogue on major issues affecting society. This gathering focused on the role faith traditions can play in encouraging cooperation, moral responsibility, and long-term commitment in response to environmental and climate challenges.
Perspectives: Spiritual Responses to Climate Change
Elizabeth Bowen, representative to the UN for the International Society of Doctors for the Environment, and Arthur Dahl, former official with the UN Environment Programme, discuss the importance of spiritual and ethical responses to the challenges posed by climate change. This discussion explores the growing challenge of climate migration and the role faith communities can play in responding with compassion, solidarity, and practical solutions. Referencing United Nations projections of hundreds of millions of climate migrants and refugees caused by extreme weather and climate change, the speaker reflects on the social, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of this global crisis. The talk highlights how religious teachings about welcoming strangers and caring for others can help communities move beyond fear and division toward greater empathy and cooperation. It also addresses issues of overconsumption, sustainability, and the need for simpler lifestyles, particularly in wealthier societies, emphasizing that both scientific understanding and spiritual principles are…