Survival is the Question
Facing the Anthropocene: Fossil Capitalism and the Crisis of the Earth System

http://www.solidarity-us.org/site/node/4868
Date Written:  2017-01-01
Publisher:  Against the Current
Year Published:  2017
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX21532

Book review of Ian Angus' Facing the Anthropocene: Fossil Capitalism and the Crisis of the Earth System.

Abstract: 
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Excerpt:

The term "Anthropocene" is most often used to identify this new epoch, which is characterized by the profound impact of human activity on the earth-system. Most experts agree that the Anthropocene began in the mid-20th century, when a "Great Acceleration" of destructive changes were triggered. In fact, three-quarters of all CO2 emissions have been produced since the 1950s.

The term "Anthropos" does not mean that all humans are equally responsible for these drastic and disturbing changes - researchers have clearly shown the overwhelming responsibility of the world's richest countries, the OECD countries, in shaping these events.

We also know the consequences of these transformations, notably climate change: most temperature rise, increasing extreme climate events, elevating ocean levels, the drowning of large coastal cities, etc. These changes are not gradual or linear and can be both abrupt and disastrous.

It seems to me, however, that this part of Facing the Anthropocene is less developed. Although Angus mentions these dangers, he does not discuss in a more detailed and concrete way the threats that weigh on the survival of life on the planet.