Scientists agree the Anthropocene is a new geohistorical epoch characterized by remarkable negative impacts on the ecosystems because of human activities. Harmful effects are expected to cause catastrophes on planet Earth and many studies are currently focusing on what needs to be done. This research aims at focusing on work in order to imagine social and economic changes, which might develop positive effects. According to the authors, our social and material realities as constructed and maintained by human activities, and that many of these activities we refer to as work. Basic daily needs, such as food, housing and caring, require work. Additionally, work affects the entire environment: plants, animals, etc. A common trend is taking place: most contemporary societies have increasingly become ‘paid work societies’, in which waged work is the principal means of making a living. Furthermore, we should be aware that the necessity to create paid work for an increasing number of humans becomes ecologically impossible under the current mode of production, which is based on an unsustainable use of fossil fuels and other natural resources. In Houtbeckers and Taipale’s opinion, work can be considered as a channel to discuss the Anthropocene. Through the reorganization of work, many workers have been affected, ending up in a precarious position. The authors believe workers can challenge the contemporary organization of work and respond to the challenges of the Anthropocene by developing a sort of worker agency that brings together the intertwined labor and employment agency. Starting from understanding the relationships between changes in the organization of work and changes in human-capital-nature relationships, we can mitigate the anthropogenic climate emissions. The notion of the Anthropocene, traditionally negative, may open up to the creation of positive trans-local networks, reflections on worker agency and the global peaceful coexistence of capital and workers on planet Earth.
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