An Interdisciplinary Dialogue on Climate Action

In a world increasingly shaped by environmental challenges, the intersection of faith and science emerges as a powerful framework for understanding and addressing climate change. The Faith and Environment seminar on December 11, 2024 at UIII brought together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore this dynamic interplay. The keynote address set the stage for a rich, interdisciplinary discussion, highlighting how spiritual traditions and academic rigor can inspire actionable solutions to the climate crisis.

The expert panel discussion, moderated by Wietske Merison, a Fellow at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, offered a multidisciplinary dialogue that bridged theoretical insights and real-world applications.

Prof. Anna Gade, a climate ethics scholar and UIII’s visiting professor, examined how Islamic traditions align with modern environmental ethics, emphasizing interspecies equity and intergenerational justice. Sharing the story of a Javanese coastal community that restored mangroves as an act of sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), she illustrated how faith transforms environmental action into spiritual worship. “Their faith transformed a challenging project into a celebrated act of worship,” Prof. Gade noted, referencing Surah Al-An’am 165 to underscore Islamic teachings on environmental stewardship.

Prof. Iim Halimatusa’diyah, a sociologist and Research Director at PPIM UIN Jakarta, presented findings from her research on the relationship between faith and environmental behavior among Indonesian Muslims. While religious values can promote eco-friendly practices, she cautioned that conservative interpretations often hinder environmental action by portraying humans as dominators rather than stewards of nature.

Prof. Iim also warned of the sociological impact of apocalyptic beliefs, held by 58.2% of Indonesian Muslims, which can foster fatalism and resistance to progressive policies. “Reframing climate change as a shared responsibility and social security issue is essential,” she argued, advocating for interfaith dialogue and grassroots collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Aria Nakissa , a lecturer at UIII’s Faculty of Islamic Studies, explored the intersection of classical Islamic teachings and environmental ethics, referencing Ibn Taymiyah and anthropological concepts to delve into the roots of ecological stewardship in Islamic thought.

The Role of Science and Immediate Action

Adding a scientific perspective, Prof. Michiel Schaeffer, a climate expert and adjunct professor at UIII, highlighted the direct links between human activities and the accelerating climate crisis. He pointed to specific risks, such as heat stress during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as an urgent reason to act. “If global warming is limited to 1.5°C, the risks to millions of pilgrims could be significantly reduced,” he stated, emphasizing the need for immediate global cooperation.

Prof. Schaeffer underscored the moral and scientific imperative of addressing climate change, framing it as both a humanitarian and ecological necessity. “This is not just about ourselves but about protecting vulnerable communities, ecosystems, and sacred practices from the devastating consequences of inaction,” he concluded.

A Vision of Hope

The seminar wove together insights from faith, science, ethics, and sociology, presenting a hopeful and actionable narrative. It demonstrated that climate change is not an inevitable fate but a challenge that can be met with moral courage, scientific understanding, and collective effort.

By blending faith with science and fostering dialogue and collaboration, UIII’s Faith and Environment event highlighted the transformative power of faith-based ethics to inspire hope and innovation. “The end is not written; it is ours to shape,” Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Nasaruddin reminded attendees in his keynote speech. Through shared values, education, and grassroots movements, we can build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. []

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