Rabbi Yonatan Neril: 6 billion religious community are the “sleeping giant of climate action”

In this in-depth interview, Rabbi Yonatan Neril discusses the critical role of faith communities in addressing the global climate crisis and the need for deeper collaboration across religious traditions. Speaking at COP27, he reflects on the scale and influence of religious institutions, which collectively reach billions of people worldwide and hold vast educational, social, and cultural networks.

He describes religion as a “sleeping giant” in climate action, capable of reshaping the underlying cultural “operating system” driven by consumerism, short-term thinking, and environmental neglect. Instead, he highlights how spiritual traditions can promote values such as humility, responsibility, community, and long-term stewardship of the Earth.

The conversation also explores practical steps already being taken by religious organizations, including carbon neutrality commitments, renewable energy adoption in places of worship, ecological education, and interfaith collaboration. Rabbi Neril emphasizes the importance of engaging clergy directly and encouraging congregations to advocate for environmental responsibility within their communities.

The discussion extends to the growing urgency of climate impacts on vulnerable populations and the need for faith-based leadership in addressing climate disasters, displacement, and ecological loss. It concludes with a vision for a stronger interfaith presence in global climate forums, including dedicated spaces for faith-based climate action.

Topics include climate change, interfaith dialogue, faith-based environmental action, sustainability, climate justice, ecological stewardship, consumerism, COP27, religious leadership, and global environmental responsibility.