One of the most pressing problems of humanity in the current
century is how a growing, rapidly developing, and not yet united global
population can, in a just manner, live in harmony with the planet and its
finite resources. Certain biological realities present themselves when an
organism negatively affects or exceeds the capacity of its ecosystem. The
limited availability and inequitable distribution of resources profoundly
impact social relations within and between nations in many ways, even to the
point of precipitating upheaval and war. And particular arrangements of human
affairs can have devastating consequences for the environment. The question of
the impact of climate change, and to what extent it is man-made and its effects
can be ameliorated, is today a major aspect of this larger problem. The Revelation
of Bahá’u’lláh directly and indirectly touches on a range of such concerns in a
manner that speaks to a harmony between society and the natural world. It is
essential, therefore, that Bahá’ís contribute to thought and action regarding
such matters.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 29 November 2017 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
