Here’s the link between religion and caring for the Earth, according to a study

A new study published in Springer’s Discover Sustainability journal reviewed over 100 scientific papers and found that the link between religion and caring for the Earth is complicated but powerful.

Here’s what researchers discovered:

(1) Some people are motivated to protect nature because they see it as God’s creation.

(2) Others believe the “end times” are near, so they care less about the planet.

(3) Religious values like compassion and humility often inspire greener choices.

(4) Faith communities can encourage eco-friendly habits, but sometimes also block them.

(5) And people with strong spiritual connections to nature often turn out to be the most environmentally caring of all.

Bottom line? Religion can be a force for good (or not) when it comes to the planet. The key is which parts of faith people lean on.

Source: Sabir, G., Tennhardt, L.M. & Home, R. Heaven and earth: a systematic review of theories on the relationship between religion and environmental behaviour. Discov Sustain 6, 178 (2025)