Religião e direito à esperança no Antropoceno

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between religion, ethics, and science within the context of the Anthropocene, a geological era marked by the profound impacts of human activities on the environment. The concept of the Anthropocene challenges traditional divisions between human and natural sciences, demanding an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological, social, and political issues. In the first part, we examine how human actions, particularly after the Industrial Revolution and World War II, accelerated environmental degradation and disrupted Earth’s natural cycles. In the second part, we focus on the concept of hope, emphasizing its importance as a transformative force in times of crisis. Hope, understood not as passivity but as ethical and active engagement, is crucial for addressing environmental and social challenges. The concept of prophetic noir is introduced to acknowledge the gravity of the present situation without succumbing to fatalism. We conclude that hope in the Anthropocene is both a right and a responsibility, and that an integrated approach between religion, science, and politics is essential to ensure a sustainable and just future for future generations.