Unleashing the power of religion for ecological change

Rabbi Yonatan Neril shares about religion and ecology 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 the ecological crisis is fundamentally a spiritual crisis, not only an environmental one. The speaker argues that issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution are symptoms of deeper human problems including greed, apathy, arrogance, and short-term thinking.

The discussion emphasizes the unique role faith communities can play in reframing humanity’s relationship with the Earth. Beyond technological solutions like renewable energy and electric vehicles, the speaker calls for a transformation in human values toward humility, compassion, long-term responsibility, and care for both people and other living beings.

The video also examines the challenges religious institutions face in responding to ecological issues, noting that many clergy receive little training on religion and ecology. It highlights the need for seminaries and faith leaders across traditions to integrate environmental teaching into theological education and regular spiritual practice through interfaith collaboration and ongoing professional development.