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As plastic pollution and climate change wreak havoc on our Earth and its people, a new nonprofit is rising to meet the challenge of spreading the word about climate justice. Climate Revival is not just an environmental nonprofit; it’s a call to action rooted in faith and culture, tapping into the spiritual and cultural power of those most impacted by plastic pollution and climate change.
“We have a climate crisis, and we need a climate revival.”
— Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Co-Founder of Climate Revival
A New Kind of Climate Movement
Founded by Antonique Smith, a Grammy-nominated artist and activist, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., founder of the Hip Hop Caucus, Climate Revival operates on a powerful premise: climate justice is moral justice. The nonprofit is reimagining what environmental advocacy can look like, uniting communities through faith, music, and storytelling to protect people and the planet. The movement recognizes that communities of color are often on the frontlines of pollution and suffer its dire health consequences, as well as extreme weather made worse by climate change. These same communities are also often deeply rooted in faith and culture.
“Yale University conducted a study examining the term ‘climate justice.’ They found that only 12% of Black Americans had ever heard of the term. However, when informed that climate justice means having a right to clean air and clean water and recognizing climate change as a civil rights issue, 70% expressed a desire to work towards and advocate for climate justice.” — Climate Revival
Climate Revival mobilizes communities by bringing environmental issues to the forefront in spiritual and culturally relevant ways. Instead of approaching climate change as a technical or political issue alone, it’s re-framed as an ethical challenge—one that requires action and collective resilience.
Awakening a Sacred Responsibility
Climate Revival’s unique strength is in how they spread the message to the diverse communities they reach. Through performances, public talks, sermons, and visual storytelling, the nonprofit makes environmental issues feel personal and urgent while simultaneously uplifting solutions rooted in heritage and hope. It’s not just about sounding the alarm and raising awareness; it’s about inspiring people to do the work to help themselves, others, and our planet, awakening a sacred responsibility to care for creation.
By activating artists, musicians, and community leaders, Climate Revival builds bridges between generations and across aisles.
“Art keeps us going—and we need all kinds of people, all kinds of artists, to help us keep going and inspire us.”
— Antonique Smith, Co-Founder of Climate Revival
Faith as a Force for Change
Climate Revival is working to bridge two worlds that are often separated: the faith community and the environmental community. The nonprofit recognizes the importance of creating a space where both can meet and unite, emphasizing that protecting the Earth is a spiritual duty.
“Stories are how we touch people.” — Antonique Smith
By spotlighting voices from Black churches as well as Black and Indigenous communities, the movement centers those who have historically been left out of mainstream climate conversations. Faith is a powerful driver of action, and Climate Revival taps into spirituality to energize congregations and communities to lead on climate issues, especially environmental justice and public health. Climate justice is an extension of faith, a way to love your neighbor and protect creation.
It’s Time for a Revival: Take Action
As the world faces climate collapse, the need for inclusive messaging and action has intensified. Climate Revival emphasizes that environmental justice should also include healing communities, restoring balance, and reconnecting with our core values. As the news cycle can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, the movement offers a fresh dose of hope, urging communities toward solutions.
Co-founder Antonique Smith is also an Earth Day 2025 Ambassador and performed in Times Square, New York City for ‘Love Your Mother’ for Earth Day, presented by EarthDay.org. Stream her new song, Love Song to the Earth, here. Watch her Times Square performance here:
Want to get involved? Follow Climate Revival’s work online or attend one of their upcoming events. It’s time for a revival. 🌿
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