Ethics in Action for Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 aim to unite economic, social, and environmental aims. This book explores the resources and principles offered by religious and secular traditions in support of these objectives, highlighting common values that can advance global goals. It features theological, philosophical, and ethical deliberations on sustainable development, including consensus statements and reflections on poverty, environmental justice, peace, conflict, and the future of work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, a comprehensive and ambitious agenda that aims to unite economic, social, and environmental objectives. In this context, this book explores the resources that the world's religious and secular traditions offer in support of these SDGs. It seeks to identify common principles shared by these traditions and how these shared values can contribute to advancing global goals.

The book is the result of an extensive and deeply engaged conversation among interfaith religious leaders, interdisciplinary scholars, and practitioners. Convened by Jeffrey D. Sachs and Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, these discussions spanned over two years. The book offers an extensive and inclusive vision of how to promote human flourishing, addressing critical challenges such as poverty, environmental justice, peace, conflict, and the future of work.

The book features theological, philosophical, and ethical deliberations of great diversity and depth on sustainable development. It addresses questions of poverty, environmental degradation, social inequality, and the need for sustainable practices in various sectors. The book includes consensus statements on the moral imperatives of sustainable development, providing insights into the perspectives of seven major religious traditions and their conceptions of the common good.

Furthermore, the book includes thematic reflections that explore the intersection of sustainable development and other pressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, and social justice. It highlights the importance of interreligious dialogue and collaboration in addressing these complex challenges.

The book features a foreword by Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing the importance of interfaith cooperation in achieving sustainable development.

In conclusion, this book presents a valuable contribution to interreligious dialogue and the articulation of a shared global ethics. It offers insights into the resources and principles that the world's religious and secular traditions offer in support of sustainable development. By promoting human flourishing and addressing critical global challenges, this book contributes to the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202879