Ecomodernism

Technology, Politics and The Climate Crisis

Jonathan Symons

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English

Polity Press
31 May 2019

Global warming; Social impact of environmental issues

Is climate catastrophe inevitable? In a world of extreme inequality, rising nationalism and mounting carbon emissions, the future looks gloomy. Yet one group of environmentalists, the ‘ecomodernists’, are optimistic. They argue that technological innovation and universal human development hold the keys to an ecologically vibrant future. However, this perspective, which advocates fighting climate change with all available technologies – including nuclear power, synthetic biology and others not yet invented – is deeply controversial because it rejects the Green movement’s calls for greater harmony with nature.

In this book, Jonathan Symons offers a qualified defence of the ecomodernist vision. Ecomodernism, he explains, is neither as radical or reactionary as its critics claim, but belongs in the social democratic tradition, promoting a third way between laissez-faire and anti-capitalism. Critiquing and extending ecomodernist ideas, Symons argues that states should defend against climate threats through transformative investments in technological innovation. A good Anthropocene is still possible – but only if we double down on science and humanism to push beyond the limits to growth.

By: Jonathan Symons
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 218mm, Width: 142mm, Spine: 25mm
Weight: 431g
ISBN: 9781509531196
ISBN 10: 150953119X
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 31 May 2019
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Table of Contents Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Chapter 1: The Thirty Years Crisis Chapter 2: Ecomodernism and its Critics Chapter 3: Assessing the Technological Challenge Chapter 4: The Politics of Low-Carbon Innovation Chapter 5: Human Flourishing Amid Climate Harms Chapter 6: Global Social Democracy and Geoengineering Justice Conclusion: Climate and its Metaphors Bibliography

Jonathan Symons is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Macquarie University, Sydney.

Reviews for Ecomodernism: Technology, Politics and The Climate Crisis

'A valuable and timely contribution to the study of environmentalism. Given the seriousness of global climate change, this book provides a window into how ecomodernism fits within the broader framework of contemporary environmental thought.' Jennifer Moore Bernstein, University of Southern California 'This book is a much-needed corrective to the misconception of ecomodernism as neoliberal techno-optimism. Symons locates ecomodernism firmly within the tradition and logic of social democracy by advancing its most urgent, practical argument - that state-directed low-carbon innovation must be at the heart of our climate response.' Steve Rayner, University of Oxford 'an upbeat perspective on what might be possible when climate emergency management focuses on state-led innovation and universal development.' Financial Adviser ?