Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology (Hardcover)

The moral imperatives and value systems of religions are indispensable for mobilizing the sensibilities of people toward the goals of sustainability: to shape the trajectories of social-ecological change to enhance ecosystem resilience and human well-being.

The "Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology" provides the most comprehensive and authoritative overview of the field. It encourages both appreciative and critical angles regarding religious traditions, communities, attitude, and practices. It presents contrasting ways of thinking about "religion" and about "ecology" and about ways of connecting the two terms.

Written by a team of leading international experts, the "Handbook" discusses dynamics of change within religious traditions as well as their roles in responding to global challenges such as climate change, water, conservation, food and population. It explores the interpretations of indigenous traditions regarding modern environmental problems drawing on such concepts as lifeway and indigenous knowledge. This volume uniquely intersects the field of religion and ecology with new directions within the humanities and the sciences. The sections on environmental humanities and environmental sciences explore the history and significance of other key areas and disciplines of environmental studies in which religion and ecology can be fruitfully located as a dialogue partner for environmental solutions.

This interdisciplinary volume is an essential reference for scholars and students across the social sciences and humanities and for all those looking to understand the significance of religion in environmental studies and policy.