Rabbi on the US Elections, Faith and Environment (UN Climate Change Conference)

Does what’s preached from the pulpit shape how people vote? At COP22 in Marrakech, Rabbi Yonatan Neril, Founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development, explores this compelling question, examining the link between environmental messaging within faith communities and the political choices of their members. Speaking in the context of the US elections, Rabbi Neril considers how religious leaders and institutions can influence public attitudes toward environmental policy simply by addressing ecological responsibility as part of their spiritual teaching. His remarks highlight the often-overlooked political dimension of faith-based environmental advocacy, suggesting that when religious communities engage seriously with environmental stewardship, it can ripple outward into broader civic and electoral behavior. This talk adds an important perspective on the intersection of religion, politics, and climate action at the UN summit. Viewers interested in related themes can also check out a companion video on spiritual empowerment to fight the climate crisis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q1oI25bfiA