Nature

Nature is an old and complex concept. In the space of a short essay, there is no way to address it comprehensively. Therefore, the goal of what follows is, first, to give an overview of the various meanings attached to it and of the different understandings of the human relationship with it within environmental political theory. Second, this chapter addresses the rise of the notion of the environment and the political implications of its use in place of nature. The chapter also explores two allegedly competing narratives: the Anthropocene and Gaia. Finally, looking at some social mobilisations and strands of critical theory, a case is made for the notion of nature as endowed with major political potential.