Anthropocene as a narrative: could it be a useful lens to understand the present and imagine the future?

Abstract

Since the beginning of this century the Anthropocene has been defined as a new geological epoch characterised by the human ability to alter the functioning and evolution of the earth system. This debate has, however, surpassed the domain of geosciences and nowadays authors from the most diverse disciplinary fields are also involved. With reference to current controversies, especially in the field of Geography, this paper discusses the extent to which the concept of Anthropocene can be useful in bringing about a new understanding of the present (Anthropocene as a scientific event) thus increasing our capacity to imagine a desired future (Anthropocene as a philosophical and political event).