Solid point, anon. What follows is my take on it. Worship of the created (Mother Earth) rather than the Creator. Not aware of the provision of God/the Creator, of which Nature only reflects divine attributes. Desensitized as to the value of humanity. Preserve the Earth at all costs, regardless of actions against people. Evoke fear and rage that "you ought to be ashamed" with scripted narrative and the youth presenting the argument. Gives sense of superiority, and that you are privy to the "truth". Drummed up concern to manipulate support for the larger agenda, which in turn makes a lotta money for those who are invested in unsustainable sustainable technologies, etc. Funding the leadership. The leader/s of cults are not impoverished. Oh, and make it seem "hip" and "relevant" to participate in various rituals: demonstrations, social media events, ad infinitum.. Groupthink/Mantras. Brainwashed, indeed. Peer pressure is also a major factor.  (I can speak as to cults from former experience.)