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 mobilisation, 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 faith communities and faith-based organisations lead meaningful global change.
- Gain understanding of how different theological traditions motivate impactful interventions in local and global environmental policy spaces.
- Engage critically with multiple faith perspectives and reflect on one’s individual relationship to the environment.
- Learn from and connect with students from different faith and belief backgrounds in an inclusive, non-assessed educational space.
|
Session 1: Monday January 26th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Introduction: contextualising faith and climate
|
|
A comprehensive introduction to the programme, its ethos and expectations. Through group activities and sharing of RGS research we will explore what the connection between religion and climate change is.
|
|
Session 2: Monday February 2nd, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Exploring effective communication in times of climate crisis, disagreement, and apathy
|
|
This session is led by Shanon Shah, Director of Faith for the Climate. FftC is an organisation which exists to encourage, inspire and equip faith communities in their work on the crisis of climate change.
|
|
Session 3: Monday February 9th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Mobilising local faith-based social action
|
|
In this session we will be attending the Youth Interfaith Summit, hosted in collaboration with the Faith & Belief Forum. It will be an opportunity to be immersed in the wider UK Interfaith context and connect with climate activists. Through storytelling, panels, workshops, and a guided walking tour, participants will engage faith not just as inspiration, but as practice, structure, and power.
|
|
Session 4: Monday February 16th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Religion and international climate policy
|
|
Drawing on the expertise of sector professionals from different faith backgrounds, this session will emphasise the involvement of faith communities in international climate policymaking and how best to engage in these discussions.
|
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 2025-26 are now open! Click here to apply.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with our future programmes.