Social Sustainability
Symbiocene
Definition
The Symbiocene is a proposed future era, coined by environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht, in which human civilisation reintegrates symbiotically with the living Earth — replacing the destructive relationships of the Anthropocene with mutualistic ones modelled on symbiosis in nature. It functions as a normative horizon rather than a geological claim: a vision of economies, technologies and cultures designed to generate the conditions for life to flourish.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Symbiocene” is defined and used.
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Overview
How it is used
The concept structures environmental humanities scholarship, regenerative design philosophy, and futures and visioning work in sustainability education.
Why it matters
Movements need destinations as well as diagnoses; the Symbiocene is a serious attempt to name where sustainability is actually trying to go.