Module 2: Religion and Climate Change
The window for action to turn things around and avert the worst of the climate breakdown is rapidly shrinking. Faith communities are a major but neglected source for mobilization, action, and new imaginings of our relationship with nature. Faith-based organisations own 8% of the habitable land surface, 5% of all commercial forests, 50% of the schools in the world and 10% of world’s total financial institutions. These can all be mobilised in line with the theologies of stewardship and sustainability we find in all the world faiths.
This module will highlight the action of faith leaders and faith-based NGOs, explore religious teaching on themes of climate change through scriptural reasoning, and allow you to think about your modes of influence within the communities you are part of.
By participating in this module, you will:
- Gain knowledge of the diverse ways in which faith communities and organisations can effect meaningful global change
- Gain understanding of the links between theological motivation and localised faith community action
- Engage critically with multiple spiritual perspectives and how this relates to one’s own faith and inter-group engagement
- Learn from and connect with students from different faith and belief backgrounds in an inclusive, non-assessed educational space
The module sessions:
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Session 1: January 27th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Introduction to Religion and Climate Change
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A comprehensive introduction to the programme, its ethos and expectations, the reality of the climate crisis and critical engagement with multiple personal and faith-based perceptions.
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Session 2: February 3rd, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Exploring climate theologies
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This session will explore different religious understandings of the relationship between humankind and the natural world and what these narratives have to offer the wider climate justice movement through interactive videos and scripture based dialogue activities.
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Session 3: February 10th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mobilising faith-based social action
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This session will gather a group of climate sector professionals and activists from a variety of faith traditions in a World Café style networking event.
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Session 4: February 12th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Spirituality in a time of eco-crisis and anxiety
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In this session we will explore ways in which religious imaginations and spirituality can help people cope with eco-anxiety through a practical, practitioner-led workshop.
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Closing Session: February 22nd, 11:00am to 2:00pm
Workshop: Tools for leadership in crisis
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This half day workshop will explore and practice skills for effective communication in times of climate crisis, disagreement and apathy.
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The programme is open to all current LSE students, of any faith or belief or none, and both those that have experience of interfaith activities and those that are keen to get more involved.
Applications for 2024-25 are now open! Click here to apply.
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