State, religion, and environmentalism: fostering social cohesion and environmental protection in Singapore

Religions are taking on an increasingly influential role in driving the environmental movement and shaping the public policy in the world. However, little research has been done in Singapore to determine the extent to which religious environmental concerns affect state–religion relations despite the nation-state being home to a multitude of traditions. Using data from a survey that utilizes quota sampling, this study addresses this gap in two ways: firstly, to present a sketch of the environmental viewpoints and behaviors of six key religions in Singapore, namely the Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Islam, Protestant, and Taoist traditions; and secondly, to identify possible areas of tension between these religious groups and the state with reference to religious environmental concerns. Study shows that, while an apparent gap between environmental beliefs and actual environmental action persists, there is a desire by religious members for more societal activism and support with regard to protecting the environment. The study proposes that issues of religious environmental concern can act as a powerful overarching framework in guiding the state/religious environmental policy to create both multicultural social cohesion as well as environmental protection, and by doing so contribute to upholding the fundamental pillars of religious and national harmony in Singapore while concurrently facilitating the participatory citizenship.