Symbiocene

The Symbiocene is a term coined by the environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht to describe a proposed future era characterised by harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It’s derived from the Greek words “symbiosis” (living together) and “cene” (new epoch). Whole papers have been written about it, but the key aspects include:

1. Mutual benefit: the era emphasises symbiotic relationships where humans and other living beings thrive together.
2. Reintegration: humans emotionally, psychologically and technologically reintegrating with Earth’s systems.
3. Sustainability: it involves eliminating toxic substances, using biodegradable materials and prioritising renewable resources.
4. Positivity: the concept aims to foster hope and commitment to environmental action.
5. Transformation: the Symbiocene represents a shift from the current Anthropocene era, which is marked by human-induced environmental destabilisation.

Albrecht first wrote about the concept of the Symbiocene back in 2011, but in the past couple of years especially, it has been gaining increased attention and relevance. Most notably, a new breed of environmental advocates is emerging online, reshaping the discourse around climate change and its emotional toll. 

At the forefront of this movement is Isaias Hernandez, known online as Queer Brown Vegan, whose innovative approach to climate education is hitting home with a generation grappling with eco-anxiety and grief. He also launched Symbiocene.io, an event series inspired by Albrecht’s concept that reimagines environmental activism by blending art and culture and making it more accessible, inclusive and engaging for a diverse audience. The self-described solarpunk futurist, gardener, technologist, activist and writer Kalpana Arias, alongside some other great people, are also involved in the project.

Hernandez, a Mexican-American content creator in his mid-20s with a rapidly growing following, grew up in Los Angeles and was raised with an acute understanding of how poverty, migration, gender discrimination and environmental destruction reinforce each other, leading him to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at the University of California, Berkeley. 

In 2021, he came up with the concept of the “Climate Emotion Scale” – a framework that validates the complex spectrum of feelings associated with environmental awareness. This scale, born from Hernandez’s personal experiences growing up with California wildfires, encompasses emotions ranging from happiness and love to sadness, anger and fear. It’s a tool that is resonating with those who find themselves overwhelmed by the weight of climate change. 

Elsewhere, examining popular trends and aesthetics to spark deeper conversations about sustainability, equity and our connection to the natural world, he has discussed the concept of cottagecore, raising some critical points about this aesthetic and lifestyle trend:

1. Romanticisation: cottagecore often idealises rural life, potentially overlooking the realities and challenges of living in such environments.
2. Sustainability concerns: despite its nature-focused aesthetic, cottagecore may not always align with truly sustainable practices.
3. Cultural context: Hernandez partly examines cottagecore through the lens of queer ecology, considering how this trend intersects with issues of identity, nature and society.
4. Privilege: the ability to embrace cottagecore aesthetics or lifestyles may be influenced by socioeconomic factors, making it inaccessible to some.
5. Environmental education: Hernandez uses discussions about trends like cottagecore to introduce broader environmental concepts and encourage critical thinking about our relationship with nature.

He’s returned to the concept of cottagecore a few times, as well as breaking down other seemingly innocent terms such as ecological wealth. “Not everyone has mental health resources or access to climate therapists,” Hernandez has explained, underscoring the importance of his work. By providing a vocabulary for these often-unspoken emotions, he’s helping followers process their climate grief and anxiety, turning these feelings into catalysts for action rather than paralysis. 

Hernandez is part of a growing cohort of environmental influencers who are leveraging social media to drive climate change awareness and inspire action. Here are some people in this space to keep track of: 

• Leah Thomas, known as “Green Girl Leah”, is an American environmental activist and author who focuses on intersectional environmentalism. She founded the Intersectional Environmentalist platform and has been recognised in the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her work in applying intersectionality to environmental justice.
• Tori Tsui is a Hong Kong-born climate justice campaigner, author and model who gained prominence after participating in a Stella McCartney campaign featuring Extinction Rebellion activists. She has been involved in various climate initiatives, including sailing across the Atlantic for COP25 and launching the Pass the Mic initiative to amplify frontline climate activists' voices.
• Daze Aghaji is a climate justice activist from the UK who ran for the European Parliament in 2019, becoming the youngest person to do so. She advocates for tackling climate issues on environmental, social and cultural levels.
• Samuel Rubin Vicens is a social impact producer and co-founder of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion. He has been involved in various environmental initiatives, including the Hollywood Climate Summit and Symbiocene with Hernandez, and works to integrate entertainment and culture with climate action. 

These digital educators are breaking down complex issues into digestible content, making the science of climate change accessible to audiences who might otherwise find the topic intimidating. As we say goodbye to the Anthropocene and embrace the Symbiocene, it’s clear that the future of environmentalism is as diverse and interconnected as the ecosystems we aim to protect.