As the prominent scientist E.O. Wilson wrote, “Religion and science are the two most powerful forces in the world today… If there is any moral precept shared by people of all beliefs, it is that we owe ourselves and future generations a beautiful, rich, and healthful environment.” (from The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth)
The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) teamed up with The Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change (IDCC) and launched The United Planet Faith & Science Initiative (UPFSI). This Initiative brought together prominent faith and science leaders to participate in minimal-carbon-footprint, web-based meetings focused on imminent environmental challenges.
Among the Initiative’s twelve founding faith and science leaders are Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Footage of these meetings have been disseminated through social media and news outlets to promote public awareness, political will, and action. The Initiative also hosted live public events for these leaders to present to the general public. The Initiative aims at promoting both institutional and grassroots changes to decrease emissions, as well as transitions to clean energy and strategies to protect natural resources. Communities are mobilized towards action based on an increased recognition of our climate and habitat problems.