Towards inclusive environmental sustainability

On 27 September, 2021, the Leverhulme Trust funded ‘Towards Inclusive Environmental Sustainability (TIES)’ project hosted their first online webinar ‘How Muslims in Britain engage with, and understand, environmental sustainability’, in collaboration with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the Muslims of Britain Research Network (MBRN).

This collaborative conference hosted by the University’s Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI), MBRN and MCB, brought together a unique mix of voices and perspectives showcasing how British Muslims engage with, and understand, environmental sustainability.

Muslims in the United Kingdom (UK) have faced both socio-economic and socio-cultural marginalisation due to ethno-religious identities and migratory backgrounds. This societal marginalisation is reflected in research, policy, practice and engagement around what researchers call ‘pro-environmental behaviour’. Alongside experiences of structural inequality, the British Muslim experience is framed by religious practices and beliefs, and strong ethno-religious community ties.

The conference brought together a unique mix of academics, policymakers and religiously motivated community activists and organisations to draw attention to how faith in Islam influences the practices, behaviours, and lifestyles of Muslims to care for the environment.

The discussions focused on practical ways in which, often marginalised, Muslim voices can be included in wider debates around the environment, climate change and the green policy agenda. The conference aimed to:

  • Recognise the ways in which Muslims engage in positive environmental practices.
  • Explore how issues of sustainability and the environment relate to Islamic beliefs and practices.
  • Engage in dialogue about how Muslims can meaningfully and purposefully be engaged in wider debates around issues of sustainability and the environment.

Each of the collaborating organisations hosted a panel of key speakers in the field of Muslims and environmental sustainability to address the following questions:

  • How do Muslim’s experience and practice environmental sustainability in their everyday lives?
  • How do British Muslims understand, and respond to, issues of sustainability and environmental concern through community activism?
  • How can Muslim communities be involved in designing and implementing environmental policy and initiatives?