Abstract:
Excessive consumption and population growth are regarded as major world problems resulting in numerous consequent problems. A possible solution strategy that could bring about the required pro-environmental behaviours, through a spiritual appeal to reduce consumption and population growth is proposed. Pro-environmental teachings in four world religions, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam were identified. Personal interviews were carried out to find out if clergies and religious teachers were willing to encourage the required behavioural changes. Results indicate that the four religions offer many useful environmental teachings that can serve to give a spiritual appeal to the required behaviours, and that signs of willingness among clergies and religious teachers exist. Further research is necessary to determine exactly the feasibility of the proposed strategy. It is concluded that it is important to incorporate religion and spirituality to accomplish a wholesome multidimensional approach in addressing such global problems.
