With 85 percent of the world’s population identifying with a religious group, faith leaders and faith based organisations(FBOs) have a unique position in societies. Also, followers in these groups are connected with emotions and personal lives. They can mobilise, spread and engage with communities in effective ways.
Lately, faith leaders are playing a key role in spreading the word about climate change and its ill effects. Interestingly, FBOs are extending hand with other stakeholders, such as policymakers, NGOs, multilateral institutions, government agencies etc. Such engagements are helping FBOs to get introduced to newer laterals in climate action and sustainability and can create a profound impact in the lives of the people.
As per the report titled Faith Action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Progress and Outlook, faith based organisations(FBOs) has immense potential in helping to achieve SDG goals. Using its expansive resources such as habitable land surface, commercial forests, schools and financial institutions, FBOs can accelerate sustainable growth.
For instance, On 04th October 2023, Pope Francis released a letter that echoed the sentiments of humanity worldwide. The letter titled “Laudate Deum” (Praise God) warned that the world “is collapsing” due to global warming. The letter urged the participants of the upcoming COP28 climate talks to agree to binding policies on phasing out fossil fuels.
However, lack of engagement with the followers, government restrictions, scarcity of professionals to handle the portfolios, etc, hamper the role of FBOs in climate action. The contribution of FBOs for education and healthcare has positively impacted the human capital of many countries. Similarly, with the same synergy if we act, we can create an equitable and sustainable society for everyone and for our ecosystems.
What are your thoughts on Faith Based Organizations that are working towards Green Recovery?
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