Environmental Activist: Addressing Climate Change, Universities Need to Implement Green Islam

Jakarta, UIN News Online —Environmental activist Hening Parlan, M.M., highlighted the critical role universities can play in implementing the concept of Green Islam. This was stated during the launch of the national REACT (Religious Environmentalism Actions) survey conducted by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Jakarta at Hotel Ashley Wahid Hasyim Jakarta on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The survey revealed the awareness and attitudes of Indonesian Muslims towards environmental issues and climate change.

The survey found that 70.43% of Indonesian Muslims are aware of climate change, with 76.82% believing and 19.1% strongly believing that climate change is happening. However, only 50.4% are concerned about environmental degradation, while 58.35% are more worried about crime.

The data also showed that 46.07% of respondents believe humans are the primary cause of environmental damage and climate change, 37.72% think it's a combination of human activity and natural factors, and 16.21% believe the causes are natural.

Environmental behaviors identified in the survey include saving water and electricity, reminding others, donating, participating in environmental campaigns, recycling, and signing petitions.

According to Hening Parlan, universities play a crucial role in implementing Green Islam, but its current implementation is not yet optimal. An initial step could be to include this concept in the curriculum. If that’s not possible, a more systematic approach is needed to ensure campuses can adopt and implement the concept.

This concept should also be extended to other faculties, such as international relations, law, and economics, to develop ideas like green economics and international relations in the context of climate change. Currently, these efforts are mainly at the discussion stage with experts.

"Universities are key to whether Islam can successfully protect the environment. However, at present, not many universities, especially those with Islamic faculties, comprehensively apply Green Islam," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of socializing the concept of Green Islam among students. This can be done through formal and informal means, such as meetings, Instagram, talk shows, dialogues, and other events.

"It’s crucial to socialize Green Islam. It should be part of the Green Campus concept, where behavior, knowledge, and a fundamental understanding of Islamic values are integrated into efforts to protect the environment," he added.

Furthermore, Hening Parlan explained that participation and support from the academic community are essential to support the concept of Green Islam.

"Support can be provided through internal policies or regulations that include courses related to Islam and the environment. Universities can also invite experts and carry out various concrete actions. Supporting student activities related to the environment, such as tree planting, waste management, discussions, and energy conservation on campus, is also very important," he explained.

According to the survey, Indonesians tend to have an anthropocentric view, with ecocentrism in second place, and theocentrism the least. The relationship between humans and nature, analyzed through the Human and Nature (HaN) Scale, shows that viewing humans as stewards and partners of nature correlates positively with pro-environmental behavior.

Environmental issues can also serve as a medium to strengthen cooperation and tolerance among different religious groups. However, the lack of opportunities for social interaction between different religious groups hampers joint action on environmental issues.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and a participant poll. The public can watch the event via live streaming on the PPIM UIN Jakarta YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/mE_AbkKd8Mw?si=IfF8ZJz2CQ66G_DK. (Ken Devina/ Fauziah Muslimah/ Noeni Indah Sulistiyani/ Photo: Adib Taufiqur'Rachman)