Faith Leaders are Ideal Climate Leaders

In a recent BBC broadcast, Ruth Valerio discussed the role of religions and faith leaders in efforts to address climate change.

Valerio states that Christians and other faith leaders are well positioned to promote climate action.  "I think faith communities all around the world have a huge part to play. Faith leaders are uniquely placed to be able to support and motivate communities all around the world. They can help their members to take actions both individually and also holding governments to account."

When asked about the church's responsibility with regard to divesting from environmentally irresponsible investments, she said, "we have actually been seeing a big move in that direction," she pointed to the Church of England's "massive steps" through the Transitions Pathway Initiative (TPI). She also said: "Many other denominations in the UK and elsewhere have been taking those steps to signal to the fossil fuel companies that the situation is serious and we need to change."

Valerio is an Environmentalist and theologian, social activist and author. She is also the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director at Tearfund, a Christian charity focused on ending poverty. They work through local churches to unlock people's potential. 

To watch an excerpt from the broadcast click here to go to the Renew Our World, twitter feed.

Click here to see the SEC's short film The Seed.

Related
Introducing the SEC's Eightfold Path of Environmental Action
Right Understanding: Knowing the facts about climate change
Right Thought: How we think about the natural world
Right Speech: Effective environmental communications
Right Action: Making smaller footprints
Right Works: Efforts that benefit the planet
Right Effort: Choosing a cause
Right Concentration: Staying focused on creation
Right Mindfulness: Managing ecological stress