What is the focus of the Capitalocene critique?

The Capitalocene critique emphasizes the central role of capitalism in environmental degradation. It argues that the capitalist system—not just human activity broadly—has specific and far-reaching consequences for the planet’s ecosystems. By focusing on capitalism, the critique draws attention to how economic systems driven by profit and competition lead to overexploitation of resources, climate change, and ecological collapse. This perspective highlights the necessity of addressing the underlying economic structures that contribute to environmental crises, rather than simply recognizing the broader human impact on nature.

The other options, while relevant to discussions about environmental issues, do not encapsulate the specific emphasis of the Capitalocene critique. For instance, globalization looks at economic interconnectedness but does not directly address the nuances of capitalism’s role in environmental issues. Similarly, while human actions have historical impacts on the environment, the critique is more about the systemic nature of capitalism as a driver of these changes. Lastly, advocating for global cooperation for sustainability is a positive approach to addressing environmental challenges but does not focus on the critique of capitalism itself as the root cause of current issues.