Faith-Based Environmentalism: Integrating Religious Ethics into Public Policy for Sustainable Community Resilience in the Global South

Abstrak

The escalating climate crisis poses a disproportionate threat to the Global South, where resource scarcity and environmental degradation undermine community stability. While technocratic and secular policy frameworks often struggle to garner local compliance, religion remains a potent social and moral force in these regions. This study examines the potential of "Faith-Based Environmentalism" as a strategic bridge between high-level public policy and grassroots community action. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes how religious ethics—such as stewardship, intergenerational equity, and interconnectedness—can be codified into environmental legislation and adaptation strategies. The findings suggest that integrating theological narratives into public policy significantly enhances community resilience by transforming abstract environmental goals into moral imperatives. Policies that resonate with local spiritual values demonstrate higher rates of social acceptance and long-term compliance. Furthermore, religious institutions provide established networks for disaster response and education that state mechanisms often lack. The study concludes that for environmental governance to be sustainable in the Global South, policymakers must move beyond secular neutrality and actively engage with religious ethics to foster a culturally resonant and resilient society.