Transcendental Damage Versus Global Risks

Abstract

This article argues that the notion of “global risk” is not appropriate to the state we are about to enter: the Anthropocene. In general, risk requires that the corresponding damage be done only to a limited number of individuals, and that such damage be financially compensable. These are two conditions that can no longer be satisfied with the consequences of crossing the planetary boundaries. The future damage no longer concerns portions of reality, but the very possibility of inhabiting the Earth.