Climate Change and Heroism

Introduction Heroism in the Anthropocene epoch unfolds on the unique dramatic stage set by climate change, manifesting itself primarily in climate activism. Yet, despite the uniqueness of this contemporary stage, climate activist heroism displays similarities to other forms of heroism that have manifested themselves throughout the ages. Transgression, calamity, and heroic resistance are such recurrent themes in hero stories. Heroism typically expresses itself in the rebellion against an impending doom, which has been triggered by an initial act of transgression. The triggers for ancient and modern epics and tragedies are comparable. Injustice, lust, and lack of foresight are the typical ingredients of transgressions. The Trojan War was initiated by the misjudgment of Paris, who did not foresee that his choosing Aphrodite as the fairest would enrage Hera and Athena. According to some versions of that myth, Paris’ judgement was not impartial since Aphrodite promised to give him what his...