The Anthropocene Myth By Andreas Malm: Argumentative Analysis

Who is to be blamed for the melting of icebergs? The answer to that question cannot be found with a simple internet search. Scientists and scholars have been debating on who is at fault for years until the concept of the Anthropocene came around. A concept to describe the current geological state of the planet. In his article “The Anthropocene Myth,” Andreas Malm presents a challenging take on the Anthropocene and its impact on society and the environment. He showcases different factors that have contributed to the concept of the Anthropocene, such as economic and ideological beliefs. In particular, Malm questions whether humanity, as a single entity, can be blamed for driving the planet towards disaster. Thus, making it clear that the Anthropocene

Malm uses the concept of the Anthropocene to introduce his argument on climate change. The Anthropocene is the so-called current-day epoch, in which the relationship between humans and the environment has drastically changed the Earth’s natural systems. This provides a foundation for recognizing the contemporary era that has been shaped by human-induced changes. Malm goes on to describe this as “the inescapable fate for a planet subjected to humanity’s “business-as-usual (Malm, 2015).” The term “business-as-usual” recurs frequently throughout the article, a term that is layered with meaning and significance. It refers to the continuity of standard policies and practices, a mindset that is deeply ingrained in society. He does this to argue for the pervasive acceptance of the cycle that “business-as-usual” creates of environmental exploitation. This cycle is often compelled by economic interests and power structures, which prioritize short-term profit over long-term sustainability. By linking the Anthropocene with the idea of “business-as-usual,” Malm emphasizes the connection between human activity and environmental