Launch of United Planet Faith & Science Initiative to unite religious leaders and scientists in promoting environmental sustainability.
The Jerusalem-based Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) and the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change (IDCC) are launching The United Planet Faith & Science Initiative (UPFSI). UPFSI unites prominent faith and science leaders to participate in web-based, minimal-carbon-footprint meetings focused on addressing imminent environmental challenges.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri; and the Jerusalem-based International Director of Interreligious Affairs of AJC, Rabbi David Rosen, are among the twelve founding faith and science leaders. Footage of these meetings will be disseminated through social media and news outlets to promote public awareness, political will, and action. The Initiative will also host live public events for these leaders to present to the general public.
The launch coincides with a crowd-funding campaign to draw in further support for the Initiative. The goal is $18,000 to be raised between now and December 31st, 2013 . The campaign will solicit both financial and community-based support and provide tiered rewards for donations.
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.” A scientific lens provides insight into the relationship between humans and our environment and can help us to mitigate our ecological challenges. Religion is a channel for humanity to address this crisis from a moral and ethical standpoint. Leaders in science and faith, working together, are able to appeal to vast numbers of people to foster awareness and action.
More information can be found at UPFSI or by contacting Rachel Winner, Project Associate, at +972-54-290-0161 (Israel) or at rwinner@interfaithsustain.com.
