Root causes of the climate crisis and political obstacles: a Catholic Social Teaching perspective

The objective of this article is to explore some of the main obstacles for earnest and successful political engagement with the climate crisis. Firstly, an account will be given on the place of the human person in creation from a Catholic Social Teaching perspective. This is followed by an analysis of 'the technocratic paradigm' that has as its aim gaining control over external objects to possess, master, and transform using rational procedures. It has been influential in particular for our dominating economic system and conceptions of 'the good life'. The last part touches upon the role of politics and some very practical challenges. Overcoming the 'technocratic paradigm' seems necessary from a Catholic Social Teaching perspective to heal the disharmonious relation between the human person and nature that lies at the centre of our current crises.