Geoethics for Redefining Human-Earth System Nexus

Abstract

The globalized society is held together by an intricate system of human relationships. This system constitutes a planetary architecture characterized by (a) a complex technological structure, (b) the homogenization of cultural forms and economic systems, (c) growing social, political and economic inequalities. Faced with planetary systemic perturbations (such as pandemics and wars), the globalized society shows criticalities, but also strengths, despite it is still too vulnerable to anthropogenic environmental changes. These changes modify the physical–chemical-biological characteristics of the Earth system and therefore represent a great threat to human communities, more serious than the pandemic threat from SARS-CoV-2, perhaps equal to the threat of a nuclear war, since it is the habitability of the planet by humanity and many other living species to be in danger. In order to promptly address the dangers of the anthropogenic changes underway, a closer and more structured international cooperation between states is needed. There are no alternatives. But this goal today appears increasingly difficult and distant due to the international geopolitical instability triggered by the war in Ukraine. In fact, only, human communities that share ethical principles and values on which to base new forms of relationship between human beings and the Earth system are able to face the planetary ecological crisis and build a possible future on Earth. In this perspective, geoethics is proposed as global ethics of a complex world, founded on the principles of dignity, freedom and responsibility and aimed at the renewal of the human-Earth System nexus and the realization of an ecological humanism.