International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2026;5(1):254-259
The Portrayal of Environmental Issues in Religious Texts: A Study on the Importance of Religion with Respect to Climate Change
Author Name: Avyakt Mishra; Prof. Bikram Keshari Mishra;
Abstract
Until the 1960s, knowledge of the environment was taught only to students in Biology classes, using ecological concepts. In the 1970s, it began to be taught as a subject in its own right after it was learned that humans had affected the environment. As the impacts of climate change grow, the world is becoming more religious; the share of the world population with a religious affiliation is expected to rise from 84% in 2010 to 87% by 2050. Every religion, whether through texts or practices, has always focused on sustainability. Most religions, religious traditions, and cultures value creation and see it as a gift from God. This paper examines the effects of Hindu religious beliefs on environmental outlooks and determines whether theological insights can offer a unique solution to promote sustainable development and alleviate concerns about climate change. The traditional Hindu religion revolved around the worship of nature. Even at the onset of the Indus Valley Civilization, various forces of nature were worshipped, as evidenced by excavated sculptures and seals. Vedic culture is believed to be a nature-based culture. This paper draws on Hindu doctrines, including teachings on creation, incarnation, and redemption, to offer examples and practices that can foster lifestyle changes. Religion provides ethical values and morals; therefore, is it also equipped to generate public awareness on the conservation of the environment? It is unimaginable to sit idle without defending the few stretches of land that sustain human life in the entire galaxy.
Keywords
religion, environment, climate change, Hindu, sustainable development