Amy Erica Smith

Two parallel trends are transforming the developing world: climate change and the growing demographic importance of Pentecostalism and conservative Protestantism. As environmental degradation reshapes the physical environments in which humans live, citizens interpret the changes and respond through frames shaped by their religious communities. Focusing on a Brazilian case study, this project demonstrates the diverse ways religion molds citizens’ explanations of and responses to climate change. Contrary to theories focusing on developed countries such as the United States, Brazilian evangelicals and Catholics tend to interpret religious doctrine in ways that promote environmental concern. However, religious institutions vary greatly in the extent to which they take action based on their environmental theologies. Through print journalism, this project will leverage current connections with reporters in the United States and Brazil, while connecting with current climate change communication efforts to promote a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion and the environment.