The Environment

The natural world is a divine trust of which we all must act as stewards.

Our Vision
Our Work
Resources

"Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence…" -The Baha'i Writings

Our Vision

Role of Environmental Stewards

Inspired by a belief in the oneness of humankind and the interconnectedness of planet and people, regardless of nationality, race, sex, class, religion or age, our Office has spent more than two decades contributing to the discourse on the natural environment and our role as stewards. Seeking to realize the principle of justice, we believe that the interests of the most vulnerable, including the poor and the young, must be protected not least through the stabilization of our shared ecosystem. The Office works to develop relationships with organizations working toward similar objectives.

Members of SCORAI, Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative.

Former Environmental Representative, Peter Adriance, testifying at the EPA Hearing on Proposed Carbon Limits for New Power Plants.

Participants at Earth Day rally proceed to Capitol Hill press briefing.

Participants at White House briefing on energy and climate for faith groups.

Our Work

Advancing a moral dialogue on the environment

As the only accredited Baha’i entity to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs has facilitated the involvement of other Baha’i agencies in the UNFCCC process as well as contributing thoughts on the integration of justice and equity concerns into climate planning.

Moreover, we have long engaged in work related to the promotion of more sustainable patterns of consumption while exploring the pitfalls and problems of thoughtless materialism. In this broad area, the Office has hosted workshops and discussion sessions that have explored the role of religion in civilization building, the conception of values, principles and morality in the context of consumption.

We also engage with a number of national secular and faith-based organizations, as well as networks and coalitions, dedicated to promoting sustainable livelihoods, positive action to protect our shared climate, and awareness about the pressing need for morality-inspired environmental stewardship.