The Hallmarks of a Great Leader: Safeguarding the Environment
Ahmad Nooruddeen Jahangeer Khan, London, UK
Electric vehicles, ultra-low emissions zones, and major companies making net-zero promises – the world is most certainly trying to do things differently now. As our planet is increasingly impacted by climate change, rising temperatures, and the destruction of ecosystems, the role of leadership has evolved beyond political manoeuvring and economic prowess. Today, looking after the planet and the environment is seen as one of the most pressing challenges across the globe, one that rests by and large on the shoulders of world leaders. Scientists believe that with every 0.1oC increase in temperature, the world is more likely to face severe weather patterns. Sadly, many world leaders have fallen short of their promises, particularly in meeting the targets set by the Paris Agreement of 2015, which aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.
While climate change has become a key talking point around the world, the disconnection between the pledges and actions of world leaders remains stark. In this article, we will examine how leaders have prioritised short-term gains, to the detriment of the long-term welfare of the planet, and whether the teachings of Islam describe the qualities a leader must possess in light of addressing this issue the world is facing as a whole.
World Leaders and Climate Change: A Track Record of Unfulfilled Promises
The Paris Agreement of 2015 was a landmark moment in the fight against climate change. Over 190 nations – including the US, one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions – committed to reducing their carbon emissions in an effort to limit the increase in global temperatures. While the agreement was groundbreaking, many countries have failed to meet the ambitious targets they set for themselves.
Emissions reductions are lagging far behind what is necessary to meet the 1.5°C target. Despite pledges, the world is still on course for a temperature rise of around 2.7°C by the end of the century – a level that would have catastrophic consequences for the environment, global economies, and vulnerable populations. [1]
The lack of significant progress stems from a combination of political inaction, short-term economic interests, and the immense challenges involved in transitioning away from fossil fuels. The result has been devastating: extreme weather events, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and widespread loss of biodiversity. All these indicators point to a failure of leadership to prioritise the long-term welfare of the planet over immediate gains.
The Teachings of Islam on Environmental Stewardship
In contrast to this global failure, Islam provides timeless principles that emphasise the responsibility of humankind, as the best of God’s creation, to act as custodians of the Earth. The Holy Qur’an speaks considerably about the balance and harmony in creation and stresses the importance of maintaining this equilibrium. It teaches that this duty extends beyond personal gain or short-term interests.
In his address to the Green Party of the provincial assembly in Hamburg, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, spoke in particular about this issue and shed light upon the responsibilities we bear, not just for politicians, but for mankind at large. He said:
‘One principle that we must always remember is that you will always reap what you sow. The laws of nature are such that consequences directly correspond with our acts. Allah has established a balanced and just system both in this world and in the universe, for the welfare and progress of mankind. However, if this balance is broken then the world will be destroyed.’ [2]
This profound insight reflects a key element of leadership: the recognition that actions have consequences, even if they are not felt directly, and that leaders must act with wisdom and foresight to prevent the destruction of the natural balance that sustains life on Earth. The Holy Qur’an speaks to this directly in chapter 55, verses 8-14:
‘And the heaven He has raised high and set up a measure, that you may not transgress the measure. So weigh all things with justice and fall not short of the measure. And He has set the earth for His creatures; therein are all kinds of fruit and palm-tree with sheaths, and grain with its husk and fragrant plants. Which, then, of the favours of your Lord will you both deny…?’
These verses highlight the intricate connection between all living things and the need for humans to act justly in maintaining this natural balance. His Holiness (aba) continues by emphasising the need for balance and justice, noting that when we rebel against this system by prioritising personal desires or selfish gain, we inevitably bring harm upon ourselves and the world.
He further says, ‘We observe that even plant life has been given great importance in the Holy Qur’an. For example, it specifically mentions that there are trees and crops and husk used to feed animals…Animals support us in the sense that we consume them as food and use them in a variety of other ways for our benefit. And so we have even been taught to treat such animals in a just and balanced manner. Plant life also is essential to this system and is directly required for the survival of mankind and the animals upon whom humans depend. For example, it has become the means to produce fuel and energy in this present day. Therefore, it is clear to see that a failure to follow this natural equilibrium and balance can only prove harmful to humans.’
Setting the Priorities Straight
Leadership requires a long-term perspective, one that acknowledges the importance of looking after the Earth, not just for ourselves, but also for generations to come. Yet, too often, world leaders become consumed by materialism and short-term political gains. Countries seem to be competing with one another to obtain wealth and power, often increasing tensions at alarming rates, whereby looking after the planet no longer remains a number one priority.
In regards to this, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has pointed out in the keynote address of the Peace Symposium of 2018:
‘Instead of being consumed by materialism and a desire for power, every nation, whether rich or poor, must prioritise the peace and security of the entire world above all else. Instead of embarking on an arms race, leading to death and destruction, we must join the race to save and protect humanity.’
His Holinesd (aba) highlighted the fact that the environment is at greater risk than ever once we factor in the use of nuclear weapons, and thus this issue must not be left unaddressed either. He said:
‘I mentioned that a major focus of the international community is climate change and a desire to keep the air that we breathe clean. Is there anyone who thinks that heavy bombardment has no effect on the atmosphere? Furthermore, if peace ever does prevail in the war-torn countries, their towns and cities will have to be rebuilt from scratch, and this in itself will be a huge industry that will cause an increase in harmful emissions and pollution. Thus, on the one hand, we are trying to save the planet, yet with our other hand, we are senselessly destroying it. In light of all of this, I firmly believe that world powers are being blinded by short-sightedness and tunnel-vision.’
It is important also to understand that despite the developed countries responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, it is in fact the poorer or war-torn countries that are facing the severest consequences. With poverty and war rife, nations such as Somalia, Syria, South Sudan and Afghanistan naturally have the lowest readiness levels, leaving them at a higher risk of collapsing and unable to provide sufficiently for their citizens. According to Ed Milliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), ‘The world’s most vulnerable populations are already on the frontline of the climate crisis…To curtail the worst climate and extreme weather disasters, major-emitting nations must take drastic actions to rein in emissions.’ [3]
In light of this, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has highlighted the role of alleviating poverty as well, if we are to truly bequeath a world of peace and prosperity for future generations, by saying:
‘Certainly, striving to protect the environment and to look after our planet is an extremely precious and noble cause. Yet, at the same time, the developed world, and especially the world’s leaders, should also realise that there are other issues that must be tackled with the same urgency.
People living in the world’s poorest nations do not concern themselves with the environment, or the latest figures on carbon emissions; rather, they wake up each day wondering if they will be able to feed their children. Their economic plight is truly desperate and their poverty levels are far beyond our comprehension.
…Hence, I firmly believe that if we truly wish to protect our world and to ensure we leave behind a legacy of opportunity for those who follow us, it is essential that every effort is made to raise the standards of the developing world. Poor nations must not be looked down upon, rather we should consider them as part of our family – our brothers and sisters. By helping the developing nations stand on their own feet, and by giving their people opportunities and hope, we will actually be helping ourselves and safeguarding the future of the world. Otherwise, we are already seeing that the poverty and destitution in the developing world is negatively affecting the rest of the world as well.’ [4]
His Holiness (aba) here underscores a key failure of many leaders: the inability to prioritise the collective welfare of humanity over the pursuit of wealth and power. True leadership in the fight against global warming would involve not only reducing emissions but also addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, and tackling the dire situation in which people find themselves even in 2024.
Assessing Global Progress Since the Paris Agreement
Since the Paris Agreement, progress toward limiting global warming has been uneven. Some countries have made strides in transitioning to renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and reducing deforestation. However, global emissions are still rising, and many countries are far from meeting their commitments.
For instance, the United States, one of the largest historical emitters of greenhouse gases, has shown fluctuating commitment depending on the political leadership in place. The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement under the Trump administration dealt a significant blow to global efforts, though the Biden administration has since rejoined the accord. However, the progress remains insufficient to meet the ambitious targets set in 2015.
In Europe, countries like Germany and Sweden have been at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives, yet even they struggle to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, emerging economies such as China and India, though rapidly expanding their renewable energy sectors, continue to rely heavily on coal and other fossil fuels to power their economic growth.
Reports suggest that despite these efforts, the world is still far off track in terms of meeting the Paris Agreement targets. The report states that the world is on a path to exceed 2°C of warming, a level that scientists warn will lead to catastrophic impacts, including more frequent and severe heatwaves, storms, and rising sea levels. To avoid this, global emissions would need to be halved by 2030, a target that looks increasingly out of reach without dramatic changes in policy and behaviour.
Conclusion: The Need for True Leadership
As the world grapples with the escalating threat of climate change, the need for strong, visionary leadership has never been greater. They must recognise that their actions today will determine the future of the planet for generations to come. As highlighted by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Islamic teachings offer profound guidance on how leaders should approach this responsibility. The emphasis on balance, justice, and stewardship serves as a reminder that the Earth is a trust from God, and it is our duty to care for it. Only when such principles are adopted can we hope to address the urgent crisis of climate change and secure a sustainable future for all. Only then can we save our future generations and leave them a world of peace, harmony and prosperity.
About the Author: Ahmad Nooruddeen Jahangeer Khan is an Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and serves in the editorial board of The Review of Religions.
ENDNOTES
1. Esme Stellard, “What is the Paris Agreement and why does 1.5oC Matter,” BBC, February 8, 2023. Accessed: September 15, 2024. https://www.bbc.co.uk/ news/science-environment-35073297
2. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, Address delivered on 14th June 2011 at the historic Hamburg Town Hall. Accessed: September 15, 2024. https://www. reviewofreligions.org/4221/the-natural-system-of- justice-and-balance/
3. “10 Countries at Risk of Climate Disaster,” International Rescue Committee, April 6, 2023. Accessed: September 16, 2024. https://www.rescue. org/uk/article/10-countries-risk-climate-disaster
4. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, Keynote address at the 2018 Peace Symposium. Accessed: September 15, 2024. https://www.reviewofreligions.org/13931/ leaving-a-legacy-for-future-generations-2/
