Environment and Climate Change

The Reform Movement is committed to protecting the environment. From the pressing global crisis of climate change to advocacy on clean water and food justice, we are heirs to a tradition of stewardship and partnership in the ongoing work of Creation that goes back to Genesis.

The Reform Movement is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring a just, healthy, and safe future for generations to come. The science is clear: global climate change and pollution threaten our planet and endanger our communities. We have a sacred responsibility to care for the Earth and its inhabitants by advocating for sustainable policies addressing climate change, promoting clean air and water, and protecting wildlife. In doing this work, we must also ensure environmental justice, protecting those who have been disproportionately impacted by climate change and advocating for a just transition away from fossil fuels. Through our environmental advocacy, we carry on a Jewish tradition of stewardship and partnership in the ongoing work of Creation dating back to Genesis.

Why Should Jews Care?

The Torah teaches that humankind was created on Earth, in part, to care for and protect God’s creation (Genesis 2:15). The Talmudic concept of bal tashchit, “do not destroy,” was developed by the rabbis as an assertion of God’s holy ownership of the land. We show our commitment to Creation and to each other by preventing the destruction and degradation of our planet. As is said in a powerful Midrash, “Do not destroy My world, for if you do, there will be nobody after you to make it right again.” (Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13). It is our responsibility to preserve, protect, and nourish our planet. We have the power to take action to create a healthy and just future for ourselves and generations to come. 

Take Action

Urge Congress to Support Environmental Justice for All

For decades, environmental justice leaders have advocated for equal protection from environmental hazards, equal access to environmental benefits, and meaningful involvement in environmental decision-making processes. The Environmental Justice for All Act (S.872/H.R. 2021) would take landmark steps to realize that vision.

Contact Congress

What's New

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Earth Day, WRJ, and the Power for Purpose 2023 Campaign for Climate Justice

The moment I knew I had to get more involved was when I watched a news story of a mother holding a child that was sick and limp after years of drinking contaminated water. I have seen too many of those news stories and have known too many people who are suffering because of what has been done to our environment. To me, fighting climate change is synonymous with fighting for others to be able to live as full and long a life as possible.
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The Intersection of Climate Change, Gender, and Poverty

Jewish teachings, portions of the Torah, and our own Jewish values have reinforced our duty to protect our planet, including those animals that inhabit it, the atmosphere, and the water. An oft-quoted Midrash reads, “Do not destroy My world, for if you do, there will be nobody after you to make it right again” (Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13). This conveys a sense of urgency and importance that if we are derelict in this, we will destroy humankind as we know it for future generations. WRJ works with other organizations to fulfill this duty and has passed 11 resolutions between 1969 and 2011.
jewish holidays and environmental justice

Parashat Eikev

In the last several weeks, there has been a lot of attention on the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. This is understandable as this is an important issue concerning women's rights. However, there has not been as much attention paid to the Supreme Court decision of West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This ruling undermines the authority of the EPA under the Clean Air Act to limit carbon pollution from power plants. The decision is a setback to reducing the carbon pollution that is affecting climate change and may spell a delay for U.S. climate action when time is of the essence.

Related Press Releases

2025 Women’s Empowerment Award Winners to be Honored at Social Justice Conference

NEW YORK — Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), the feminist affiliate of the largest Jewish denomination in North America, announced its 2025 Women’s Empowerment Award honorees. First established in 2019, this award now honors women, nonbinary, or genderfluid individuals who strengthen the voices of others, with a focus on empowering women and girls, and who promote progressive Jewish values. WRJ will

Learn more about the position of the Reform Movement on these key issues, and read the formal resolutions by URJ and CCAR.

URJ Resolutions Resolutions From Our Partners 

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Engage Your Congregation

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Every Voice, Every Vote

The Reform Jewish Movement’s Every Voice, Every Vote Campaign is a nonpartisan effort, grounded in our Jewish values and commitment to racial justice, to strengthen our democracy by encouraging and protecting voter participation.

Get Involved

Create a "Green Team"

One congregation shares how a dedicated, hands-on team is guiding its sustainability efforts and working to reduce the synagogue’s carbon footprint.

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Plan Your Own Mitzvah Day

Plan a congregational Mitzvah Day that includes clean-up projects or other projects related to environmental justice. This guide outlines the planning process.

Host a Tu BiShvat Seder

The Tu BiSh’vat celebrates our relationship with nature, but it's also a time to look at our impact on the world around us and commit to changing the way we interact with our environment.

Contact our Legislative Assistants

For more information on this issue, contact Eric Goldberg.

What Our Partners are Doing

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