Humans are no longer spectators who need to adapt to their natural environment. Our impact on the earth has caused changes that are outside the range of natural variability and are comparable to major geological processes such as ice ages. Some scientists argue that we have entered a new epoch in planetary history: the Anthropocene. In such an era of planet-wide transformation, we need a new model for planet-wide environmental politics.

EARTH SYSTEM GOVERNANCE: WORLD POLITICS IN THE ANTHROPOCENE by Frank Biermann; Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2014

This book proposes “earth system” governance as just such a new paradigm. It offers both analytical and normative perspectives. The book provides detailed analysis of global environmental politics in terms of five dimensions of effective governance: agency, particularly agency beyond that of state actors; architecture of governance, from local to global levels; accountability and legitimacy; equitable allocation of resources; and adaptiveness of governance systems.

It goes on to offer a wide range of policy proposals for future environmental governance and a revitalized United Nations, including the establishment of a World Environment Organization and a UN Sustainable Development Council, new mechanisms for strengthened representation of civil society and scientists in global decision making, innovative systems of qualified majority voting in multilateral negotiations, and novel institutions to protect those impacted by global change. Drawing on ten years of research, the book formulates earth system governance as an empirical reality and a political necessity.

URL: http://www.earthsystemgovernance.org/publication/biermann-frank-earth-system-governance