We wholeheartedly share Kathryn Pritchard's view that “Religion and science can have a true dialogue” (Nature 537, 451; 2016). So, too, do those who wish to solve our planet's environmental problems by promoting greater cooperation between the sciences and world religions.

We have taken a step in this direction by issuing a joint declaration in several languages on behalf of a group of environmental scientists, theologians and religious leaders of eight major spiritual traditions. Emerging from discussions at an International Seminar on Science and Religion cooperation for Environmental Care (see www.issrec.org), the Torreciudad Declaration is inspired by Pope Francis's Encyclical Laudato si'.

The statement shows how religion can help to change people's attitudes and behaviour towards the environment. Together, religion and science can help to integrate humans and ecology, and to promote clean energies and sustainable economies.