Zahra Zahidi explores why Global Warming is a serious Islamic consideration.

Had you have turned off your PC while not using it and had I turned off the lights at home, we would not have been concerned about a global threat, the threat of Global Warming.

“And do not make mischief in on the earth after its reformation…” {Quran; 7:56}

A gradual rise in the earth’s average ground and atmospheric temperature is known as Global warming. An evidence of 1 degree Fahrenheit rise in average atmospheric temperature in the last 30 years (shown in the graph) is not only a major concern for Environmental Scientists, but it is also a personal issue.

The steeper gradient in the last 30 years shows the 1 degree Fahrenheit rise in average atmospheric temperature

Those responsible for this global threat are us humans. Mistakes we make everyday can one day become pronounced in their effect on us and next generations. Our own species will curse us for our carelessness.

This warming of the earth’s atmosphere is believed to be the consequence of human activity, which results in an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) that can now be reduced by Carbon Capture and Storage. Agriculture, originating in China and the eastern Mediterranean region, about 11,000 years ago, and rice cultivation in Asia could have been the reason for the liberation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Global warming in Antarctica, according to Scientists, is due to human footprint, and has particularly affected the Northern Hemisphere. The extinction of several species and polluted air and water is the apprehension of the 21st Century.

The civil environment: factories, agriculture and technology, created by humans, have been affecting the natural environment i.e. water, air, earth and all living beings and thus there comes an imbalance. Syed Hossein Nasr says, everything is nothing except reflection of the divine names ‘Wahdat al Wujud’ means ‘unity of the real’ and destroying the order of nature is the destruction of mankind. Everything in the world is beauty and reflection of divine qualities.

Islam embarks upon the environmental issue comprehensively and highlights the importance of living responsibility on earth. Regardless of whether warming is due to early human activity, industrialisation and modern technology or the Milankovitch cycles, it has a devastating impact on all beings and the beautiful earth in which we live. Only an increase of a few degrees will lead to serious side-effects that can easily undermine human infrastructure.

We billions of people can play a better our part to fight global warming. We are all khalifas (guardians) of the earth, therefore, it is our responsibility to act conscientiously and participate in keeping the equilibrium between man and nature, and preserving the beauty of nature since behaviour changes makes a difference at no cost.

Simple steps such as turning off the lights, PCs and electronics when not in use, turning off water taps while brushing, consuming organic food and recycling, using public transport to reduce the CO2 emissions, and less paper usage to save more trees can save energy and resources.

We should lead the change we wish to see in the world.