Religions and sustainability: Beyond the academic pale, or potent partnership for earth stewardship?

Religions are playing an increasingly important role in Earth Stewardship, a role that has often been under appreciated or criticized by environmental thinkers. Despite some resistance, scholars, scientific and professional societies, and non-profit environmental organizations have made significant investments in the past decade to engage with the sustainability perspectives of religious communities. Studying these developments indicates a range of best practices for effective science communication with faith communities, and suggests opportunities for scientists to better appreciate the Earth Stewardship perspectives of the world's religions. Ecologists are wondering: are religions an essential partner in preserving the systems we study?