In recent months, iconic sites such as Stonehenge and Helsinki's Parliament House have become stages for a growing debate on sustainability. Activists from groups like Elokapina, Återställ Våtmarker, and Just Stop Oil have taken drastic measures—marking ancient stones with orange powder and defacing governmental buildings with red paint—to draw attention to the climate crisis.
As media attention swirls, discussion forums and comment sections fill with polarized and provocative commentary. For some, these acts are perceived as direct assaults on democracy and shared societal values. Conversely, others justify such actions in light of the pressing climate emergency. Amidst the cacophony of opposing viewpoints, a deeper question emerges: What is deemed sacred in our society, and what should remain untouched?
How the Sacred and Profane Shape Our Environmental Consciousness
Émile Durkheim, a renowned sociologist, defined the sacred as elements set apart and revered—objects, ideas, practices, and symbols imbued with special significance, fostering collective identity and social cohesion within a society. Today, cultural and governmental institutions occupy a revered status in society. Stonehenge, for instance, is a modern example of what is considered sacred—a place of cultural and national identity, significant for its historical and archaeological value. Likewise, one might argue that the Helsinki Parliament is sacred for many because it represents the democratic values, historical significance, and national identity of Finland, serving as a symbol of the country's political heritage.
In contrast to the sacred, Durkheim introduced the concept of the profane, which encompasses the ordinary aspects of daily life, not accorded special reverence or respect. While Durkheim associated the profane with the secular, non-religious, and non-ritualized spheres of life, in today's context, the profane could be linked to things we often take for granted, such as clean water, the air we breathe, or the leaves that fall in the autumn winds.
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Nature's Lost Reverence: Rediscovering Spiritual Significance
In the Northern European cultural landscape, nature once held a sacred status, deeply embedded in Celtic traditions and the rich mythologies of Norse legends. These traditions reflected a profound reverence for nature spirits and the cycles of the seasons. As modern societies advanced, however, this deep respect for nature was overshadowed by immediate human and economic concerns. The intrinsic awe and spiritual significance attached to natural elements gave way to a focus on commodification and utilization, transforming trees from sacred abodes of spirits into mere resources.
This shift from reverence to commodification has significantly altered our relationship with the natural world, impacting both ecological health and our connection to the environment. Challenges such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change underscore the need for a more balanced approach to how we interact with nature. The spiritual and cultural practices that once promoted a harmonious relationship with the natural world have become less prominent, often overshadowed by practices focused on immediate benefits.
Uniting Diverse Perspectives Through a Shared Sense of Awe
At the heart of the clash over sustainability activism lies a deeper conflict of sacred values: what deserves our utmost respect and protection? This fundamental question drives the passionate and often contentious debate between activists and defenders of cultural and governmental institutions.
Activists argue that the natural world, with its intrinsic value and critical role in sustaining life, should be elevated to a sacred status deserving of immediate and fervent protection. Conversely, those who uphold the sanctity of cultural and governmental institutions believe that defacing these symbols of societal heritage and democratic values in the name of environmental causes undermines the very foundations of collective identity and social cohesion.
This polarization presents a significant challenge for both public and private sectors advocating for sustainability. Bridging this divide requires innovative strategies that can galvanise action and convey the urgency of environmental issues in a manner that resonates with a broad spectrum of people. It is not enough to simply highlight the existential threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation; the message must also appeal to the diverse values and beliefs that shape public perception and behaviour.
One promising approach shifts the conversation from debating what’s sacred to recognizing our shared experiences of awe. Durkheim highlighted the power of collective wonder to unite us, transcending individual differences and fostering social cohesion. Tapping into this ‘shared sense of awe’, we can bridge diverse value systems and find common ground—and hopefully frame environmental protection not just as a necessity but as integral to preserving the intertwined legacies of our natural world and cultural heritage.
Restoring the Sacredness of Nature
Moving forward, the key to successful sustainability advocacy and action is to ask ourselves: how can we restore the sacredness of nature in contemporary society? How can we reignite a profound sense of awe for the natural world and inspire a collective movement towards sustainable living?
Addressing these questions requires a multifaceted approach that fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment and its essential role in our lives. By doing so, we can construct a more inclusive and resilient framework for sustainability, one that resonates across diverse audiences and drives meaningful action.
