Conclusion: Towards a ‘Deep Debate’ on the Anthropocene

Thomas Hickmann, Lena Partzsch, Philipp Pattberg, Sabine Weiland

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Abstract

In this edited volume, we explored the contributions that political science as a discipline can offer to the evolving Anthropocene debate. The term Anthropocene denotes a new geological epoch in the Earth’s history in which humans have become the main drivers of planetary-wide changes. Some authors interpret this as good news, pointing to progress as a result of human ingenuity and the endless possibilities of managing the Earth system for the sake of human benefits. Others have argued that the notion of the Anthropocene constitutes a wake-up call for humanity to act in the light of scientific evidence which is indicating fundamental and irreversible state shifts in the various interrelated ecosystems of our planet. Against this background, we seek for a ‘deep debate’ on the Anthropocene in the sense of providing sound disciplinary insights to an interdisciplinary exchange. We have addressed two fundamental questions in this book: (1) What is the contribution of political science to the Anthropocene debate, e.g., in terms of identified problems, answers and solutions? (2) What are the conceptual and practical implications of the Anthropocene debate for the discipline of political science?

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Anthropocene Debate and Political Science
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Pages237-251
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9781351174114
ISBN (Print)9780815386148
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 selection and editorial matter, Thomas Hickmann, Lena Partzsch, Philipp Pattberg and Sabine Weiland; individual chapters, the contributors.

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
  • Political Science (excluding Public Administration Studies and Globalization Studies)

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