Throughout history, leaders have exploited claims of divine intervention to maintain power and deflect blame for societal ills and lack of preparedness for sustaining natural disasters. From ancient civilisations viewing calamities as divine punishment to modern nations framing fossil fuel as a "gift from God," this tactic persists. Even during the European Dark Ages, when scientific inquiry challenged religious dogma, the Church used divine justification to suppress groundbreaking theories like Galileo's heliocentric model, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this strategy in times of crisis and change.
Religious leaders in Europe and the US have historically exploited faith to fuel prejudice against minorities, particularly during times of social and economic turmoil. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, attempted to suppress religion, only to see it re-emerge as a source of comfort during times of hardship. Today, politicians worldwide, such as those in Pakistan, often manipulate religious beliefs to distract from pressing issues or mobilise support, demonstrating the enduring allure of divine justification.
The advent of the printing press, a revolutionary technology, initially faced resistance from those in power who feared its democratising potential. These power brokers, seeking to maintain control, invoked religious and supernatural explanations to justify their opposition, arguing that widespread information dissemination would undermine their authority and challenge established norms. However, the relentless march of progress has eroded the power of such tactics, as societies become more enlightened and people are less willing to accept unfounded claims.
The recent COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a surprising turn in global climate discourse. A coalition of rich nations heavily reliant on fossil fuels united to defend their interests, claiming these resources as a "gift from God." This assertion, unprecedented in the history of climate negotiations, has sparked global debate and raised concerns about the future of environmental sustainability.
The cynical exploitation of religious beliefs to perpetuate climate inaction. By framing climate change as a divine test or punishment, they seek to deflect blame, sow confusion, and delay crucial climate action
Subsequently, no clear-cut stance has been taken so far by any nation or group of nations, developed or developing, against the undermining of efforts to halve GHG emissions by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050. This implies the latest attempt to serve the interests of the fossil fuel industry by exploiting an argument that cannot be openly challenged in a world dominated by capitalism and its reliance on divine interpretations to justify unbridled economic growth and material wealth.
While it's true that all resources originate from the natural world, it's crucial to recognise the dual nature of these gifts. Human ingenuity has harnessed the power of fossil fuels to drive industrialisation and economic growth. However, the excessive and unchecked exploitation of these resources has led to severe environmental consequences, including climate change, air pollution, and habitat destruction. This mirrors the tactics used centuries ago to suppress population control through religious dogmas. As a result of subsequent population explosions, natural resources were exploited to such an extent that we have already extracted 50% more resources than the Earth can sustainably provide.
It's disheartening to witness the latest tactic employed by the fossil fuel industry: the cynical exploitation of religious beliefs to perpetuate climate inaction. By framing climate change as a divine test or punishment, they seek to deflect blame, sow confusion, and delay crucial climate action. It demonstrates how global demagogues often exploit divine decrees, misinterpreting them to serve their interests, particularly when defending themselves or their financial supporters. This manipulative tactic allows them to justify actions and policies that may harm the greater good.
This insidious strategy is particularly concerning in the Global South, where deep-rooted religious and cultural values often intersect with environmental concerns. By invoking divine will, these climate change deniers are trying to undermine the urgency of the crisis and hinder efforts to transition to a sustainable future.
Consider a country where the majority of the population follows a religion like Islam or Christianity. While these religions do not explicitly promote a meat-heavy diet, many people in these societies have adopted a carnivorous identity, often denigrating vegetarianism as a rejection of divine blessings. They often overlook the significant contribution of meat consumption to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite climate change warnings, there is a reluctance to embrace a more plant-based diet, even as experts advocate for a balanced approach. This mindset, prevalent in the Global South and North, perpetuates a key driver of climate change.
The discovery of coal in Thar was hailed as a major achievement by the then-regime, and a narrative was established by the ruling elites and their technical advisors that a diversified energy mix, including coal, was necessary to address Pakistan's energy crisis. While not explicitly invoking divine intervention, they presented coal as a valuable resource that would solve the country's energy problems. However, they downplayed the environmental consequences of coal-powered plants and took minimal steps to mitigate them, often dismissing concerns from climate activists. As a result, the region faces severe ecological degradation, including the contamination of drinking water, due to the operation of these coal-fired power plants.
The principle of moderation, a cornerstone of many philosophies and religions, underscores the importance of balance and restraint. By acknowledging the potential harms of excessive consumption, we can strive to use these resources responsibly and sustainably. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's imperative to prioritise renewable energy sources and adopt climate-friendly practices.
The COP29 summit serves as a reminder that the challenges of climate change require global cooperation and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making. By embracing a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between humanity and the natural world, we can work towards a future where human prosperity and environmental health are prioritised. We must instill in the world the understanding that clean air and clean water are the most precious gifts from God. Any activity or resource that compromises their quality cannot be justified by religious interpretations.