Country: India
City: New Delhi
We are in a climate emergency. Climate refugees, drought, deforestation, species extinction, and
the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic prove that humans are facing a catastrophe of indescribable
proportions – potential societal collapse is no exaggeration. Huge, polluting industry, the
oppressive practices of multi-national corporations, and the empty allure of consumerism reveal
that the climate crisis is human-caused. Scientists from around the world agree that there may be
a small amount of time still left in which to reverse global warming. To do this, enormous shifts
in infrastructure, economies, and human behavior need to happen within the next 5-9 years.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for the world to
address these challenges and develop solutions that bring about ecological balance, social equity,
and healthy economies. The interdependent nature of the 17 goals further demonstrates our
global challenges and local problems are linked; and that they can best be solved through an
integrated approach.
Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) are a vital, necessary and influential group of actors in
attaining the SDGs and changing the current course of climate and societal catastrophe. On the
ground, FBOs provide immediate support and care to people. Faith Leaders engender the trust of
their communities and inspire action that brings social change and transformation to villages and
cities around the globe, much of it in alignment with and working toward the SDGs. When
appropriately informed and sufficiently prepared, FBOs invite wide-spread local participation
and mass mobilization for broad behavior change, and cultural shifts.
In partnership with UNEP’s Faith for Earth strategy, and the United Religions Initiative’s
response to the climate crisis, the UNEP-URI India office seeks to launch the Faith for Earth
Councilors Program. The FEC program offers a hands-on training that unites FBOs and
collective action for the protection of our Mother Nature.
This Initiative seeks to create a network of faith leaders, faith based organizations, and
community members who will respond to the urgent, climate-related concerns at the local,
regional and national level. The Faith for Earth Councilor training is a series of online and
offline gatherings to educate and equip participants with tools and an engagement plan so they
effectively communicate with and inspire others to respond quickly and effectively to care for
Creation.
Designed and conceptualized with the help of civil society groups like Religion World and
Shristi the training program seeks to build and document an active and inspiring network that
models cross-sectorial learning and cultures of peace, justice and healing for all -- especially our
Mother Earth.
To be a part of the movement, please complete the survey form below.
Link-
https://forms.gle/RB7FFtRmjRjz7Yh8A