HALACHIC CONSIDERATIONS

We have discussed at length that scientists are warning us that we need to take action to address climate change if we want to mitigate the serious impacts it will wreak on human lives and property and on the environment both in the short- and long-term. We have argued that there is no basis to argue that, as Torah Jews, we should not take these warnings seriously, but on the contrary, the Torah would want us to heed these warnings and act on them, as common-sense would dictate. That being the case, it would, at first glance, seem unnecessary to engage in detailed halachic discussion.

Nevertheless, such a discussion is valuable because:

1. It is chelek (portion) of Torah which has yet to be sufficiently expounded.

2. It highlights that our involvement in this area is not just something we must do for our own welfare, it is also part of our avodat Hashem (service of Hashem) and a fulfilment of His will.

In the topics below we explore different Torah values and how they are expressed in the world of halacha.