Religion and environmentalism

Religion and environmentalism is an emerging interdisciplinary subfield in the academic disciplines of religious studies, religious ethics, the sociology of religion, and theology amongst others, with environmentalism and ecological principles as a primary focus.

Within the context of Christianity, in the encyclical "Laudato si'", Pope Francis called to fight climate change and ecological degradation as a whole.^[1]^[2] He claimed that humanity is facing a severe ecological crisis and blamed consumerism and irresponsible development. The encyclical is addressed to "every person living on this planet."^[3]

Buddhism includes many principles linked to sustainability.^[4] The Dalai Lama has consistently called for strong climate action, reforestation, preserving ecosystems, a reduction in meat consumption. He declared that if he will ever join a political party it will be the green party and if Buddha returned to our world now: "Buddha would be green."^[5]^[6] The leaders of Buddhism issued a special declaration calling on all believers to fight climate change and environmental destruction as a whole.^[7]

^ "Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' Of The Holy Father Francis On Care For Our Common Home (official English-language text of encyclical)". Retrieved 18 June 2015.
^ "Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home". SDG Academy. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
^ Yardley, Jim; Goodstein, Laurie (18 June 2015). "Pope Francis, in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate Change". The New York Times.
^ "What does Buddhism teach about the environment?". BBC. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
^ "Dalai Lama says strong action on climate change is a human responsibility". Associated Press. The Guardian. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
^ Guru-Murthy, Krishnan (11 November 2020). "'Buddha would be green': Dalai Lama calls for urgent climate action". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
^ "The Time to Act is Now A Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change". One Earth Sangha. 20 September 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2021.

[1] "Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' Of The Holy Father Francis On Care For Our Common Home (official English-language text of encyclical)". Retrieved 18 June 2015.

[2] "Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home". SDG Academy. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Retrieved 30 July 2020.

[3] Yardley, Jim; Goodstein, Laurie (18 June 2015). "Pope Francis, in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate Change". The New York Times.

[:2-4] "What does Buddhism teach about the environment?". BBC. Retrieved 25 January 2021.

[:3-5] "Dalai Lama says strong action on climate change is a human responsibility". Associated Press. The Guardian. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2021.

[:4-6] Guru-Murthy, Krishnan (11 November 2020). "'Buddha would be green': Dalai Lama calls for urgent climate action". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2021.

[:5-7] "The Time to Act is Now A Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change". One Earth Sangha. 20 September 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2021.

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