Ethical Principles for Addressing Climate Change: A Comparative Study Between Islamic Values and the UNESCO Universal Declaration

Abstract

Abstract:

Nations across the globe are striving to develop effective solutions to the growing problem of climate change and its risks, as its reality and environmental consequences have become increasingly evident. Among the important strategies for addressing this challenge is a focus on behavioral and ethical dimensions, particularly through the promotion of environmental ethics advanced by UNESCO in its agreements and declarations concerning climate change.

Given that Islam provides a comprehensive and enduring moral framework, including environmental ethics, this study seeks to examine Islamic ethical principles in comparison with those proposed by UNESCO. The comparison is structured around questions of authority, obligation, universality, permanence, and impact. The study concludes that Islamic ethics surpass UNESCO’s framework in scope and effectiveness for confronting the challenges of climate change.

Nevertheless, the study calls for collaboration and complementarity with international efforts, emphasizing the importance of joint action and the pursuit of practical alternatives to mitigate the risks of climate change.