Theory and practice in the Environmental Political Theory

As it is known, there is scientific consensus on the existence of environmental issues which can potentially compromise the future of our societies. In order to resolve them, a substantial change in nature and society relations is required. The environmental political theory addressed this necessity. Nevertheless, its normative reflections did not influence institutions and social practices. This paper compares two proposed ways to engage environmental theory and practice. Taking the Anthropocene as its analysis framework, it claims an active role for political theory as a provider of concepts and arguments in the institutional and public spheres. I will defend this point in two ways. Firstly, I contend that political theory can engage with public debates while conserving its core logic and epistemologic standards. Secondly, I demonstrate others actors deficiencies, proposed to play that role. More concretely, I will provide a critical view of the environmental and climate justice movements.