Climate Change, Capitalism, and Marxist Theories on Ecology. A Conceptual Analysis

This thesis critically investigates the profound relationship between capitalism and environmental degradation, proposing that capitalism acts as a catalyst for the climate crisis. It suggests the inherent elements of capitalism, including unyielding growth and dominance over political and international spheres, result in significant disruptions to the ecological balance. The study shows how anthropogenic activities, driven by capitalist systems, have adversely affected the environment. It applies theoretical lenses from Marxist theories on ecology, which of them is the metabolic rift, to dissect the environmental impact of capitalist practices. Furthermore, through a case study of the Anaime Valley, the research illuminates the severe consequences of capitalist production methods on the ecological balance. This thesis argues that the ongoing environmental crisis, manifested in the form of climate change, may be seen as an urgent call for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and equitable economic practices.