Science and the Environment

The Catholic Church’s position on science and the environment has grown in importance over recent years. The Church has consistently argued that faith and reason are not opposed to each other, but are instead of a complementary nature. While supporting the potential for science to improve life and aid development, especially for the poor, the Church has remained wary of the unforeseen consequences of scientific advancement, especially that which destroys traditional norms and attacks human dignity. The Church has also been a long supporter of proper environmental stewardship by Christians and non-Christians alike. With concern for the environment growing and scientific research progressing, it is likely that the Catholic Church’s involvement with these matters will increase in the coming years.