5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Solidarity and Justice in the Anthropocene: Global and Local Perspectives

Language: English

How to know justice in the Anthropocene? Solidarity is not only a feeling of unity between populations all over the world who have common interests and goals, who ask for justice in the Anthropocene but also a normative value. Confronted to a shared threat such as climate change, people will refer to solidarity to address this danger. The Anthropocene requires actions and cooperation between groups to reduce inequities within societies. Inequality within societies functions as a driver of consumption that damages the planet’s resources. Addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene requires solidarity between populations and institutions. Institutions should be accountable and fair. Solidarity among nations is also needed. Climate change is largely linked to activities done in the wealthy nations but also more recently in China and India. But the burden of climate change falls on the low- and middle-income countries. Needed funding must be given to poorer nations to undertake adaptation actions. Climate refugees from the global South must be welcome in the global North..

By failing to accept these different tasks, we may transfer the negative outcomes of the climate change to our children and grandchildren. The Integrated session will thus discuss the current and near future situations and suggest global social dynamics and collective actions to navigate safely the Anthropocene. Which sort of socio-economic development is needed? How to respect local cultures and favour sustainable lifestyles and consumption behaviours? How can our professional organizations support these endeavours? How can we create opportunities to attain solidarity in the economy and society, in politics and culture?