Challenges and ideas of representations of the Anthropocene in Latin American and Caribbean media

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the material collected in Latin American and Caribbean media. It covers 25 countries, where over 300 mentions of ‘Anthropocene’ were found in four languages (Spanish, Portuguese, English, and French). The coverage mostly shows the reproduction of narratives and news from international media. Content from large international media corporations was often reproduced. In addition to the main narratives (neutral and optimistic while recognizing risks) which make up two-thirds of the total, or pessimistic, calling for radical change), we identified a fourth trend, namely descriptive with ahistorical and apolitical narratives on the Anthropocene. The challenges of provincializing the Anthropocene in Latin America are discussed in terms of the interplay between scholars from the global North and Latin America. We also highlight the fact that indigenous alternatives in this debate are generally ignored. Finally, we analyze cultural projects reported in Latin American media, illustrating dialogues and events that relate to the Anthropocene, in order to give the concept a materiality with respect to the lives of individuals.