Degradation of the Natural World

Theologians from both the radical orthodox and Liberation theological traditions draw attention to the degradation of the natural world resulting from the focus on unlimited growth and profit maximization within neoliberalism. They argue that neoliberal practices, driven by continuous economic expansion, often lead to the extraction of finite resources, the overexploitation of ecosystems, and various forms of pollution, including air, water, and land pollution. This critique sheds light on the environmental costs associated with neoliberalism’s unrelenting drive for unlimited economic growth.

In addition to highlighting the environmental consequences, Liberation theologians emphasize that these negative impacts disproportionately affect marginalized and vulnerable populations. They contend that neoliberal policies prioritize the interests of powerful corporations and economic elites, perpetuating social and environmental injustices. The extraction of finite resources and the pollution of the environment disproportionately harm marginalized communities, exacerbating existing social inequalities. These communities, already facing social and economic challenges, bear an undue burden of environmental degradation, further marginalizing them and compromising their well-being.

The extraction of finite resources, such as minerals, fossil fuels, and timber, often occurs in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples or economically disadvantaged communities. These communities frequently lack the resources and influence to adequately protect their rights and environment. Furthermore, the pollution from industrial activities, such as mining, manufacturing, and waste disposal, tends to concentrate in marginalized areas, exposing inhabitants to health risks and ecological harm.

This critique by theologians highlights the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and social injustice within the context of neoliberalism. The degradation of the natural world threatens ecosystems and biodiversity, perpetuates existing inequalities, and exacerbates the hardships marginalised communities face. It reinforces the need to consider the social and ethical dimensions of environmental issues and underscores the importance of simultaneously addressing both environmental and social justice concerns.

To address these concerns, both radical orthodox and Liberation theologians advocate for alternative economic models that prioritize ecological sustainability and social justice. They call for reevaluating neoliberal practices and propose alternative approaches that promote sustainable practices, equitable resource distribution, and the protection of marginalized communities’ rights. These perspectives emphasize the need for systemic change to address the root causes of environmental degradation and social inequality.

In summary, the critique by theologians from radical orthodox and Liberation theological traditions emphasizes that the focus on unlimited growth and profit maximization within neoliberalism leads to the degradation of the natural world. This critique highlights the environmental costs associated with neoliberal practices such as resource extraction and pollution. Moreover, it emphasizes that marginalized and vulnerable communities are disproportionately burdened by these negative impacts, perpetuating social and environmental injustices. These theological perspectives call for alternative economic models that prioritize ecological sustainability, equitable resource distribution, and the protection of marginalized communities’ rights as crucial steps toward addressing environmental degradation and social inequality.