Council launches initiatives to protect Earth
ABU DHABI: In response to its religious and humanitarian obligations, the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of the Grand Imam of Al-azhar Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, has undertaken several practical initiatives to address climate change, which stands as one of the gravest challenges facing the planet.
These initiatives highlight the critical need for international collaboration in environmental preservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and adopting eco-friendly technology.
Before the COP26 conference in Glasgow in 2021, the Grand Imam issued a global warning about the dire consequences of climate change, describing it as a clarion call necessitating earnest and determined efforts to mitigate climate change risks and safeguard humanity’s future.
Aligning with the COP27 climate summit in the Arab Republic of Egypt towards the end of 2022, the Grand Imam of Al-azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders stressed the importance of educating young people on environmental issues and climate change mitigation through educational curriculums, given the severe challenges and repercussions our world confronts, endangering the future of present human beings and upcoming generations.
That same year, during an extraordinary meeting of the Muslim Council of Elders chaired by the Dr Al-tayeb and atended by Pope Francis in Manama, Bahrain, Dr Al-tayeb reaffirmed Islam’s directive on environmental conservation, urging for investments in sustainable practices, and prohibiting actions like cuting or drowning trees and plants with the intention of destruction.
With the UAE hosting COP28 last year, the Muslim Council of Elders redoubled its efforts to engage religious leaders in addressing global issues, particularly climate change, as the world grapples with the adverse effects of the climate crisis threatening Earth’s existence.
In 2023, concerted efforts were made globally to rally religious leaders around the climate issue.
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretarygeneral of the Muslim Council of Elders, visited Rome, Italy, several times to meet with Pope Francis and discuss initiating an effort to galvanise faith leaders in tackling climate challenges.
The Council also hosted the Religion and Climate Change Conference in Southeast Asia in Jakarta, Indonesia, atended by nearly 150 religious representatives from the region, alongside scholars, intellectuals, and youth engaged in climate discussions.