Climate change and sustainable development in the capitalist context:a review of critical literature

Abstract

Climate deterioration is an induced event that negatively impacts social processes and the living
conditions of the entire population on the globe. In economic terms, it is imposing conditions on
productive dynamics and the pace of growth; especially, putting the future of humanity at risk, and
this is affirmed with dense arguments encountered in the face of a civilizational crisis. Therefor, it
is necessary to rethink man’s extractive relationship with the environment and reconsider the way
accelerated capitalism operates, particularly since industrialization. Especially today, in the context
where the desire for sustainable development is becoming widespread as public policy and with
a supposed commitment from private corporations seeking to incorporate new actions and values
aimed at safeguarding environmental integrity. Based on a critical analysis of the literature on climate
change, this article aims to highlight the fallacies and contradictions of the sustainable development
paradigm, and point out possible alternatives.