Religion and Planet Earth

Within this topic candidates should be familiar with the key teachings from the religion(s) studied and should be aware of how religious leaders and other faith members have interpreted these teachings and applied them to life in society today.

• religious beliefs about the origins of life;
• religious views about the nature of Planet Earth, e.g. awe and wonder;
• religious beliefs about care and responsibility for the planet – stewardship;
• the work being done to look after the world – conservation, earth summits, international action, targets to reduce carbon emissions / greenhouse gases, sustainable development;
• problems caused by pollution, such as acid rain, oil spills, toxic chemicals and pesticides;
• effects of modern lifestyles – through emissions from cars, factories and waste, recycling;
• the debate about and the effects of climate change (global warming) – severe weather, droughts, floods, famine, destruction of crops, effect on plants and animals;
• the use and abuse of natural resources, e.g. oil;
• destruction of natural habitat, including deforestation.