Open Access

Wolfgang Sachs

• This article addresses some of the power asymmetries which divide mankind, the so-called "we" in the discourse about the Anthropocene. Humanity is beset with long-running cleavages between Northern and Southern countries, just as between the wealthy and the poor across countries. Power is wielded environmentally, too. First, responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions around the world is highly skewed towards the Global North, while impacts of climate change on society and biosphere fall disproportionately onto the Global South. Second, human rights of indigenous, rural and fishing communities are in danger, when mining, terrestrial and marine resources are exploited. Third, unequal trade relations in terms of raw materials, land, fisheriesThis article addresses some of the power asymmetries which divide mankind, the so-called "we" in the discourse about the Anthropocene. Humanity is beset with long-running cleavages between Northern and Southern countries, just as between the wealthy and the poor across countries. Power is wielded environmentally, too. First, responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions around the world is highly skewed towards the Global North, while impacts of climate change on society and biosphere fall disproportionately onto the Global South. Second, human rights of indigenous, rural and fishing communities are in danger, when mining, terrestrial and marine resources are exploited. Third, unequal trade relations in terms of raw materials, land, fisheries and gene patents continue to exist from colonial times until today. And fourth, restoring justice for possible victims is an arduous process without a world government and judiciary. Structural power is largely unaccountable.…