In this new geologic epoch known as the Anthropocene human activity has entered a vicious circle that prevents sustainable development and hinders human rights. To break this destructive circle a paradigm shift is needed in which profitability, the heart of today's market societies, becomes aligned with sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility. As a result, in this chapter, special attention is paid to the economic pillar of sustainable development, not because of its significance, but because a shift in this dimension is critical, given how market dynamics endanger the ecosystem. Simultaneously, and similarly to other authors, a political-institutional dimension is added to the three traditional sustainable development pillars, indicating that integrated action is required to achieve sustainable development and the SDGs. Some proposals on Environmental Education for sustainable development and intergenerational responsibility are then presented. Firstly, it is proposed that the relationship between Humans and Planet Earth be redefined through Geoethics education in order to prevent an irreversible materialization of the already occurring environmental crisis. Secondly, some intervention strategies for the economic paradigm shift are proposed, including internalizing negative environmental externalities through taxes and tradable permits, promoting eco-innovation, and focusing on the concept of enlightened self-interest. Geoethics, sustainable development, and intergenerational responsibility are ultimately presented as existential imperatives for humanity today.
Ilustration: Ana Pinho
Man has always been a poisoner; the beast who soils his own nest. What cultural revolution is needed for him to climb the evolutionary ladder and become a clean animal?
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This research was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020 through national funds provided by FCT.
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Authors and Affiliations
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal
Maria Luísa Vasconcelos
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
Clara Vasconcelos
Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geosciences, Environment, and Spatial Planning/Unit of Science Teaching, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
Clara Vasconcelos
Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Porto, Portugal
