An Examination of the Causes of the Environmental Crisis and the Presentation of Solutions for Sustainable Development

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Environmental crises are among the most significant challenges of the current century, causing widespread consequences across natural, human, and social dimensions. This study aims to examine the fundamental causes of these crises and propose spiritual approaches as effective solutions for achieving sustainable development. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method based on documentary study and content analysis of the works and speeches of Seyyed Hossein Nasr concerning spirituality and the environment. Data were collected and analyzed through the extraction of key concepts from Nasr’s texts and interviews. The findings reveal that the roots of the environmental crisis include the dominance of instrumental rationalism, extreme anthropocentrism, neglect of the spiritual status of humans, modern humanism, and disregard for sacred knowledge of nature. In contrast, Nasr’s spiritual perspectives emphasize rethinking the human role as God’s vicegerent, returning to religious teachings, commitment to environmental ethics, and a sacred view of nature, which can help restore balance between humans and nature. The results indicate that these perspectives serve not only as ethical solutions but also as a theoretical framework for redefining sustainable development from a comprehensive, social, and spiritual viewpoint. The innovation of this study lies in its focus on the philosophical and spiritual analysis of the environmental crisis from Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s perspective and its emphasis on reconstructing the human–nature relationship based on religious and sacred teachings

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Journal of Society and the Environment
Volume 2, Issue 6
October 2025
Pages 199-231

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