Fight For A Sustainable World

Science and religion are often thought of as being at odds. But the two seem to agree on the intrinsic value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

- Satya S. Tripath

HEALTHY AND RESILIENT ECOSYSTEMS - the foundation of all life on land and underwater - are now threatened like never before.

Human activities such as pollution, unsustainable use of land and sea, the exploitation of organisms, climate change, and the invasion of alien species are leading to the decline and degradation of natural ecosystems on an unprecedented scale. Climate scientists are urging the world to make a paradigm shift and to live more sustainably within the regenerating threshold of Nature.

This is also acknowledged by many religions. From Buddhism and Christianity to Hinduism and Islam, they all recognise that we must protect the environment and treat Nature with care. The holy texts and spiritual teachings highlight the intrinsic value of the natural world and the inherent need to treat all species with respect. Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew issued a joint statement ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP26. "We call on everyone, whatever their belief or world view, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the Earth and unfortunate people, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us," they urged.

The current, global trend is the pursuit of material wealth. Nature is seen as an extractive resource that humans can consume for their benefit. This commodification of Nature leads to environmental destruction through the consumption of raw materials that come from the natural environment such as wood, oil, and gas.