Abstract

CARVALHO, António; FERREIRA, Vera  and  MATOS, Ana Raquel. Ontologies of the Anthropocene: Climate crisis, sociopolitical responses and emerging technologies. Forum Sociológico [online]. 2021, n.38, pp.5-13.  Epub Aug 12, 2021. ISSN 0872-8380.  https://doi.org/10.4000/sociologico.9693.

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch to illustrate the human impact on Earth systems - exemplified by climate change. Supported by literature within science and technology studies, this article reflects on the ontological heterogeneity of the Anthropocene, analyzing how different social, political and technological proposals are mobilized to face the challenges of climate change.

The article delves into three case studies that illustrate the ontological heterogeneity of the Anthropocene : European and national policies regarding climate change ; the Transition Movement, focused on local actions to foster low carbon transitions ; emerging technologies of climate manipulation - geoengineering. We argue that the diversity of visions, practices and interventions related to the case studies reinforce the political and controversial dimensions of the Anthropocene, posing new challenges for the social sciences.

Keywords : Anthropocene; climate change; ontology.

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