Religion and pro-environmental behaviour: a comparative analysis towards environmental protection

Faith factors strongly influence pro-environmental behaviours toward proactively solving environmental problems. This paper investigates different faith traditions and their link to the concept of environmental protection rooted within the major religions in Malaysia. In addition to a systematic literature review, data were collected using a cross-sectional qualitative study based on interviews with religious experts in Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. The study found that the religions of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism strictly prohibit the mismanagement of the environment. These religions dictate that one of the core responsibilities of humans is to act as caretaker of the Earth and its population. These religions are also believed to restore faith in protecting the environment and have the potential to be an effective medium to promote pro-environmental behaviour. This study proposes that the Malaysian Government integrate the element of religion in environmental policies that are used to nurture pro-environmental behaviour. Major mediums, such as education and media that are used to promote environmental awareness, should use religion as an element to heighten pro-environmental behaviour in order to cultivate sustainable communities.