By Joe Murphy
At the intersection of science, faith, politics and conservation, there lies great opportunity if we are open to real dialogue, honest exchange, to sometimes agree to disagree and to seek both to hear and be heard.
Conversations rooted in faith can drive conservation policy, and conservation inspired by faith can provide a true road forward to caring for creation. Now, as the 2026 Florida legislative session begins, it is an urgent moment to speak of faith and conservation.
As I study issues of faith and conservation, there are clear trends emerging that provide great encouragement. One example is a growing and vibrant movement within the Catholic Church of young Catholics embracing efforts to address climate change and conserve creation.
It is not surprising that young people are inspired to seek change. Youth have driven and created many of the social movements of the last century. But what is striking now is that they are embracing the intersection of faith and conservation – indeed seeking inspiration in faith and theology to address climate change.
Young Catholics, worldwide, are forming youth led movements like Generation Laudato Si that are inspired by both the words and edicts of Pope Francis, as well the Catholic Climate Covenant. Theology and education and advocacy work for true climate solutions are interwoven and are not seen as opposed, but are joined in unison.
The United Methodist Church (UMC) is taking bold and faith-based positions on climate change, habitat loss and the loss of endangered species. The UMC urges action in how congregants live and through public policy.
It urges congregants, communities and leaders to seek real and meaningful solutions as part of its “care for creation” calling. This mandate comes from the theology of stewardship, linking the work of the Creator with how we steward our planet.
Jewish theology views humans as stewards of God’s world as well, caring for divine gifts given through creation. Humanity is charged with caring for the environment out of reverence and gratitude for the Creator.
Sustainability is not only a way to live that promotes justice and community stability; it allows one to live their faith every day. Seeking climate solutions is both practical and needed for survival, but it flows from a foundational and deep part of the Jewish faith.
We should not be afraid to cite and reference our faith when we seek conservation solutions. It is a core source of inspiration and strength and, for many, connects deep and abiding aspects of who they are with the world they wish to seek. Faith drives conservation, and conservation is inspired by faith.
I understand and respect that there are many people, either in the faith community or the conservation community, who might view this concept with some degree of concern. Communication and open dialogue are essential, and hopefully they lead to increased shared purpose.
But reluctance to connect faith and conservation, within those who see it as one and call on our public servants to conserve creation, takes from us a tool of great spiritual and public value.
As the 2026 Florida legislative session begins, so does a renewed need to connect faith, caring for creation and conservation.
In every email or letter I send to legislative leaders this session, seeking better public policy regarding conservation, I have committed to include a brief mention of three simple things: I am writing as a grandfather, a native and lifelong Floridian, and as a person of faith. All three of those are deep wells of inspiration for me in seeking better conservation policy.
This legislative session in Florida will require all the faith we can muster as we seek to protect public lands, protect endangered species, enact true growth management, protect our rivers and springs, promote climate solutions and limit pollution.
There are strong arguments to be made for all of these policies and reforms in terms of their benefit to Florida’s economy and quality of life. All of them also can show our ability as a species, and as Floridians, to cherish and care for the mighty gift of creation.
We can demonstrate to our youth, and to future generations, that we had the grace, wisdom and humility to use faith to drive conservation, and enact conservation solutions inspired by faith.
Joe Murphy is a native and lifelong Floridian who lives in Brooksville in the heart of the Nature Coast. You can follow Joe on Instagram @naturecoastjoe. Banner photo: Solar panels on a church (iStock image).
Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here. To support The Invading Sea, click here to make a donation. If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe.
