Ali Mete, Secretary General of the Islamic Community Millî Görüş (IGMG), issued a statement on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5.

“The time has come for a transformative shift in our relationship with nature and the environment. Protecting creation is not merely a choice; it is our duty,” emphasized Mete. He continued by stating:

“The irresponsible attitude towards nature, coupled with a wasteful approach to consumption, has resulted in a climate change crisis that poses a threat to the survival of the human race. Indeed, the time has arrived for a complete transformation in our relationship with nature and the environment. It is imperative that we adopt a lifestyle centered around sustainability and responsibility. World Environment Day on June 5 provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness about the environmental crisis we face and to unite in taking collective action to safeguard our planet. Humanity is obliged to establish a responsible and conscientious relationship with the world and take measures to protect it. Furthermore, it is our moral responsibility to safeguard and utilize natural resources in a sustainable manner, thus ensuring the preservation of a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come. Today, we are witnessing tangible and significant consequences of people’s irresponsible attitude towards the environment more clearly than ever before. Millions of people around the world have been forced to migrate. Every day, an increasing number of lives are being lost as a result of natural disasters such as droughts and floods. The number of uninhabitable areas in the world is steadily increasing. Water scarcity and hunger are also among the most pressing problems that require urgent solutions.

As the Islamic Community Millî Görüş, we urge all believers and members of our society to take the necessary measures in addressing these pressing issues. In addition to our training programs, we actively raise awareness about these issues through religious talks and Friday sermons, ensuring they remain at the forefront of our agenda. We also encourage our members and community to deepen their understanding of nature conservation by gaining a stronger comprehension of the fundamental principles of Islam. We are also actively involved in establishing valuable projects in this field with many of our organizations undertaking numerous projects. These initiatives include actions such as garbage collection, addressing environmental issues in Friday sermons, providing practical solutions and guidance on sustainable alternatives, promoting recycling, and advocating for responsible water usage. As an Islamic community, we are steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities towards nature and we actively play our part in protecting creation.

World Environment Day serves as a poignant reminder that safeguarding the environment is not merely a choice, but an essential duty that we all bear.”