Planetary justice and ‘Healing’ in the Anthropocene

Abstract

This paper challenges Earth System Governance (ESG) scholars to rethink the concept of Planetary Justice (PJ) in the era of the Anthropocene so it is more attentive to non-Western perspectives and sensitive to the experiences of Indigenous peoples. We combine findings from a narrative review with those derived from academic collaborations with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to propose the Indigenous principle of ‘justice as healing’ through ‘recognition’ as a crucial element in the emerging PJ framework. We argue that healing can be initiated by acknowledging colonialism as a driving force behind socio-environmental injustices, centering state accountability in environmental governance decision-making, and recognizing the value of restoring Indigenous knowledges and practices. Ultimately, we argue healing is the responsibility of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. ESG scholars have an important role to play in supporting healing and enacting recognition within and among Indigenous peoples through their engagements with Native communities.