Celebrating Earth Day and Week at UVM

As UVM and people throughout the world celebrate Earth Day tomorrow and focus on Earth-related activities throughout the week, the Interfaith Center reflects on the role of faith communities in the Earth Day movement.

 Faith, religion, and spirituality are powerful forces with the capacity to both bring people together and inspire action. Faith leaders and people of faith were important advocates for the plant on the first Earth Day in 1970, and 55 years later, they continue to be important voices in the continued effort to ensure the wellbeing our shared home.

 “Earth Day has grown into a global movement uniting over one billion people in 192 countries to tackle urgent environmental crises, including biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, and climate change,” according to earthday.org.

 The theme of Earth Day 2025 is  “Our Power, Our Planet.”  The powerful nature of faith and its capacity to both bring people together and inspire action make it

 “Across traditions, faith teaches stewardship, compassion, and responsibility for the Earth,” says earthday.org.  “As we advocate for tripling renewable energy by 2030, faith-based communities can lead by example-adopting clean energy, advocating for policies that protect the planet, and fostering hope in the face of environmental challenges. Just as faith moves mountains, it can also drive the shift to a healthier future, reminding us that protecting our shared home is both a moral obligation and spiritual calling.”

Learn more about Earth Week activities at UVM