In recent weeks, my exploration of environmental design has led me to reflect on the concept of the Anthropocene and I felt the need to revisit it in these final weeks of blog posts. Initially, I found this idea perplexing and somewhat unnecessary- a complex term for something we already know. However, as I started contextualizing it within theories and research throughout the course, I began to recognize its significance in reshaping our relationship with the environment.
“‘Anthropocene’ is the proposed name for a geologic epoch in which humans have become the major force determining the continuing livability of the earth.” (Lowenhaupt Tsing, Bubandt, Gan and Swanson, 2017:1) . The concept of the Anthropocene reflects a shift in our understanding of humanity’s impact on the Earth and acknowledges that humans have become the primary force determining the planet’s continued livability. Additionally, the term “Capitalocene” introduces a critical perspective, emphasizing the crucial role of capitalist systems in driving environmental changes.
What strikes me is that both these terms have been devised by humans themselves. It appears that we have been aware of our impact for years, enough to theorize and define, yet not enough to make meaningful change. Surely increased awareness of human influence should make us more considerate. The notion that our actions can alter the course of geological history should, in theory, evoke a sense of responsibility to act cautiously and sustainably. However, the reality is different, and the majority continues to prioritize short-term gains over long-term consequences, contributing to what Tony Fry termed as a “still accelerating defuturing condition of unsustainability” (Fry,2009).
The concept of defuturing suggests that, by persisting in unsustainable actions, we are robbing ourselves and other living species of a future. It has now been over a decade since Fry’s warning, which provokes the question: Why do we still resist the critical need for a shift in design thinking, continuing to compromise the well-being of our environment?
The perspective of time
The idea of living in the Anthropocene prompts a reconsideration of our relationship with time. Unlike traditional geological ages that natural processes, the Anthropocene highlights how human activities, particularly capitalism, are rapidly altering the environment. This acceleration challenges our conventional understanding of time, emphasizing the urgent need to recognize the rapid geological impact of human actions. I would argue that if this was better understood and more widely explained, it could be a critical point for change and better understanding within wider society.
An unsettling feeling
For me personally the Anthropocene instills an unsettling feeling. It truly puts into perspective the rapid and uncomfortable changes humans are imposing on the environment. The level of uncertainty created by human activities is discomforting and highlights the misguided sense of power that our humancentric societies possess. Paradoxically, our belief in total control over our environment has led to a situation where we have very little control. Though perhaps most concerningly, the misguided feeling of power still largely remains.
“The warning given by the Anthropocene concept, and the recent advances in the sciences of the Earth system, thus go much further than an anthropocentric view of the ‘environmental crisis’, no matter how alarming” (Bonneuil, 2017:19). The Anthropocene prompts us to think about the impact of humans and capitalist systems on earth. It provides an unsettling yet beneficial perspective, encouraging us to understand why changes need to be made and how critical it is to take more sustainable paths forward.
Designer of the week…
However, despite the challenges, there are positive developments. As a textile designer focused on material innovation, I am optimistic about our future. One noteworthy example is cactus leather developed by Desserto.
After two years of research and development, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez created a marketable cactus-based material. This innovation minimizes water use, eliminates the need for irrigation systems, and contributes to reducing greenhouse emissions. Unlike other supposedly sustainable alternatives, cactus leather avoids toxic substances in processing and dyeing. This example highlights the potential for sustainable practices in design, offering a glimpse into a future where innovative materials work with, not against, our environment.
https://desserto.com.mx/home
References-
A.L. Tsing, H. Swanson, E. Gan, and N. Bubandt (eds.) (2017) Arts of living on a damaged planet : ghosts of the Anthropocene. Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press.
Bonneuil, C. (2017) The shock of the Anthropocene : the Earth, history and us. London, Verso.
Fry, T. (2009) Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice, Oxford, Berg.
