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 Faith for Earth Councilors 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.