Ethics, Adaptation, and the Anthropocene. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hourdequin, Marion
• Is Part Of: Ethics, policy & environment. Volume 24:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: adaptation -- Anthropocene -- climate ethics; Environmental ethics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 179.1
• DOI: 10.1080/21550085.2021.1904530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2155-0085

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Some proponents of the Anthropocene argue that it is time adopt a future-oriented outlook: natural baselines no longer matter, and humans should remake the planet for the better. This raises questions about whose vision should guide such remaking, and whether the past deserves any consideration in adapting for the future. I argue that the past remains relevant, because the natural, cultural, and social worlds people enter into – shaped by those who came before us – matter. On this view, there are reasons to value 'nature', even in a human-altered world, and climate adaptation should take that into account.