See also: The Francis Moment: A Moral Call to Action on Climate Change by Claire Markham, Myriam Alexander-Kearns, and Connor Hayes
Religious leaders and people of faith have long believed that caring for creation and the planet’s precious resources is an issue of basic justice. Pope Francis articulated the moral crisis of climate change in his highly anticipated encyclical, “Laudato Si,” and environmental protection is a central tenet of many religions that call adherents to appreciate and care for the earth. From rabbis supporting wind power to Buddhists curbing carbon emissions to the interfaith action at last year’s People’s Climate March, people of faith are working to be responsible stewards of the environment and are advocating for policies that do the same.
Faith communities are especially concerned about the effects of climate change on people living in poverty. Problems such as hunger, lack of clean water, drought, flooding, social conflict, and forced migration are especially acute in impoverished communities across the globe that are, and will continue to be, most affected by climate change.
Lauren Kokum is the Special Assistant for the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative at the Center.