Understanding Climate Change through Religious Lifeworlds

Religion can help us understand and cope with climate change by providing a moral framework, promoting sustainability, and fostering community engagement. It can also inspire us to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Understanding Climate Change through Religious Lifeworlds is a groundbreaking collection of essays that delves into the profound ways in which human-induced climate change is reshaping religious ideas and practices, while also highlighting the crucial role that religious groups and communities play in addressing these pressing challenges. The book, edited by David Haberman, presents a diverse range of perspectives from people of faith across different regions, including the low-lying islands of the South Pacific and the glacial regions of the Himalayas. Through these essays, readers gain a unique insight into how individuals and communities of faith are influencing how they understand earthly problems and develop meaningful responses to them.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of religion in ongoing debates about climate change. Religious leaders and communities are increasingly speaking out on the urgent need for action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. They are drawing on their religious teachings and values to advocate for sustainable practices, promote renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This engagement with climate change issues is not limited to any particular religious tradition but is rather a universal response to the global crisis.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of religious sources of environmental knowledge. Religious traditions have long held deep insights into the natural world and its interconnectedness with human well-being. This knowledge is being increasingly recognized and valued in the context of climate change, as it provides a foundation for developing sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship. Religious communities are utilizing their spiritual and moral frameworks to inform their responses to climate change, including the development of eco-friendly practices, the promotion of renewable energy, and the conservation of natural resources.

Furthermore, the book highlights the ways in which climate change is in turn driving religious change. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, religious communities are experiencing a shift in their beliefs and practices. Some are recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to protect the environment for future generations. Others are reevaluating their traditional beliefs and practices to align with more sustainable and ecologically conscious approaches. This process of religious transformation is driven by a deep sense of moral responsibility and a commitment to address the global crisis of climate change.

Understanding Climate Change through Religious Lifeworlds offers a transnational perspective on how religion reconciles the concepts of the global and the local and influences the challenges of climate change. The book demonstrates how religious ideas and practices can be adapted to address the specific needs and realities of different communities, while also promoting a sense of global solidarity and cooperation. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders alike, as it provides insights into the complex interplay between religion, climate change, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Understanding Climate Change through Religious Lifeworlds is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field of climate change studies. The book showcases the profound ways in which human-induced climate change is reshaping religious ideas and practices, while also highlighting the crucial role that religious groups and communities play in addressing these pressing challenges. By offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights, the book provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders alike, as they work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253056054