“This book provides a roadmap for how to equip current and future generations with the knowledge that they no longer live in the world their parents took for granted, and the power to drive into a future they want.”

—Anthony D. Barnosky, Professor of Biology, University of California Berkeley, USA

“With this book, Hétier and Wallenhorst launch a most urgent and necessary conversation.”

—John R. McNeill, Professor of History, Georgetown University, USA

“Hétier and Wallenhorst masterfully convey the importance of accepting (and acting on) the reality that the Anthropocene has begun.”

—Francine M.G. McCarthy, Professor of Earth Sciences, Brock University, Canada

“This book is…breathtaking in scope, radical in what it proposes, and a fascinating must-read.”

—Jürgen Renn, Professor of Physics, Max Plank Institute of Geoanthropology, Germany

“This book is an ethical and philosophical rationale for the need to overcome the paradox that children are the most affected by the change of the Earth system, and that they bear no responsibility for it. The book is highly recommended.”

—Reinhold Leinfelder, Professor of Geobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany

"This deeply-thought-out and eloquently written book is essential reading for anyone involved with teaching.”

—Jan Zalasiewicz, Professor of Geology, University of Leicester, UK

This book develops a philosophy of education for the Anthropocene, proposing that we think about education in the light of contemporary bioclimatic challenges. Education is seen as the political means of choice for containing the runaway Earth system change and ensuring the sustainability of human life in society.

Renaud Hétier is Professor at the Université catholique de l’Ouest, France, and Director of the LIRFE Education Sciences Laboratory.

Nathanaël Wallenhorst is Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Université catholique de l’Ouest, France.

“We have changed our world over the past few generations and not always for the better.  This book provides a roadmap for how we can equip the current and future generations with the knowledge that they no longer live in the world their parents took for granted, and with the power to drive into a future they want, rather than one they must simply settle for.” (Anthony D. Barnosky, Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley, USA)

“The educational systems now in place around the world were designed to answer to the needs of a time gone by.  Today, as citizens of the Anthropocene, we need to revamp education to accord with new priorities.  In this book, Hetier & Wallenhorst launch a most urgent and necessary conversation.” (John R. McNeill, Professor, History Department & Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, USA)

“Hétier and Wallenhorst here present a comprehensive ethical and philosophical rationale for the need to overcome the paradox that children are the most affected by the anthropogenic, catastrophic rapid change of the Earth system, and that they bear no responsibility for it. The book is therefore highly recommended, especially (but not only) for teachers and educators.” (Reinhold Leinfelder, Geobiology and Anthropocene Research, Professor, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany)

“Hétier & Wallenhorst masterfully convey the importance of accepting (and acting on) the reality that the Anthropocene has begun, regardless of when the Holocene Epoch (and its relative stability) is accepted to have ended. The key adaptation to an ever-accelerating Great Acceleration is to provide the constituency that is inheriting an altered Earth system the ability to navigate an uncertain future. As they write: When a society invests wholeheartedly in education, it gives itself the means to bring about its own transformation.”  (Francine M.G. McCarthy, Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Brock University, Canada)

“As the planetary Earth transforms from its millennia-long stability, taking our human world with it – just how do we approach the vital issue of educating future generations to live with, and tackle, the new, Hydra-headed challenges of the Anthropocene? This is the huge theme explored by Renaud Hétier and Nathanaël Wallenhorst in this deeply-thought-out and eloquently written book, in which they argue that a comparable transformation of educational thinking will be needed. It’s essential reading for all who are involved with teaching and learning.” (Jan Zalasiewicz, Professor, Department of Geology, University of Leicester)

“This book is a key contribution to the Anthropocene discussion – breathtaking in scope, radical in what it proposes, and fascinating to read. It argues that we need to transform society as a whole to cope with the Anthropocene by engaging in new forms of education adequate to its challenges. The book brings together far-reaching philosophical reflections with practical proposals – a must-read if you are concerned about the preparation of the next generations for coping with the Anthropocene.” (Jürgen Renn, Professor, Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Max Plank Institute of Geoanthropology)