Between creation myths and apocalypse

The climate crisis from the perspective of C. G. Jung: A psychological and spiritual challenge

Abstract

C. G. Jung regarded the separation of man from nature as the central problem of the modern world. In his concept of Unus mundus − the fundamental unity of all things − he emphasized that humans and nature are inextricably linked. Since the Enlightenment, the one-sided emphasis on rationalism and increasing mechanization have led to alienation from nature and therefore to today’s ecological crisis. Jung’s concept of individuation offers a way to overcome this split: by confronting their unconscious shadow aspects, humans can also rediscover their deeper connection with nature. This is what modern approaches such as deep ecology build on, which view the climate crisis as a psychological-spiritual crisis and call for inner transformation. Authors such as Joanna Macy and Charles Eisenstein see this shift in consciousness as central to sustainable change. Crises offer opportunities for development if they are experienced consciously. In the current climate movement, hope is not understood as naïve trust, but as an active attitude that enables change. In this way, psychological individuation combines with ecological commitment to create a new narrative of connectedness.