Name: The unexpected way spirituality connects to climate change
Uploaded: 2023-11-10T15:53:09Z
Duration: 10 min 8 s
Description: Environmental activist Gopal D. Patel thinks the climate movement could learn a lot from one of the longest-standing social initiatives in human history: religion. Exploring three areas where frameworks from faith traditions could benefit the climate movement, Patel offers a playbook for discovering your big idea to build momentum towards powerful social change.

Gopal D. Patel: The unexpected way spirituality connects to climate change

The unexpected way spirituality connects to climate change

Environmental activist Gopal D. Patel thinks the climate movement could learn a lot from one of the longest-standing social initiatives in human history: religion. Exploring three areas where frameworks from faith traditions could benefit the climate movement, Patel offers a playbook for discovering your big idea to build momentum towards powerful social change.

Religious communities have long addressed environmental challenges through shared rituals, deep intention, and a sense of belonging. Centuries before the term 'tree hugger' existed, Indian Bishnois protected forests as a matter of spiritual duty. Harnessing elements like community, ritual, and purposeful action, faith traditions have sustained social movements across generations. By learning from these enduring practices, the climate movement can build resilience, momentum, and a connection to something larger than the individual.