Building Brighten Futures: Knowledge and Communication on Socio-Environmental Topics in Two Macaronesian Regions

The global changes – out of which climate change is the most visible aspect – have conveyed dilemmas that challenge our ability to reflect on them and engender effective solutions. Thus, the world is imbuid with what Thimothy Morton (2013) called hyperobjects, incluiding the Anthropocene. Notwithstanding, the term 'Anthropocene' has generated controversy, with some authors suggesting that the correct term is 'Anthropocenes', due to the plurality of approaches and the fragmentation of the discourses involved, which entail a transdisciplinary epistemological positioning (Kelly, 2014; Wright, 2016). Bruno Latour's (2014) reflection on the Anthropocene builds on the idea that Geology and Earth Sciences draw near Anthropology, raising the question of human agency not only in construction of scientific facts, but in the very existence of the phenomena that these facts document. In other words, how is it that humans end up exerting such a significant influence on the planet, yet find it hard to understand the consequent profound changes, and feel powerless to respond to them (individuals, society, organisations, institutional and political power, economic agents)? Additionally, which discourses, knowledge, practices and ways of dealing with socio-environmental challenges and climate change are established at regional and local levels in insular contexts, specifically in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands? The study we have conducted as part of a doctoral research, revealed that the mainstream perspective is still prevalent, and that regarding knowledge, policies, communication and participation, lay rationalities and territorial communities’ perspectives remain virtually absent, although they have proven to be crucial throughout time, in providing answers to the main challenges experienced in these concrete territories and in forging adaptative skills. They must, therefore, be contemplated when tackling complex and multidimensional issues and considering alternative, brighten futures.

Fátima Alves (Open University and CFE) is a co-author.