Objectives: Education holds a pivotal yet contested role in shaping societal futures, particularly in the Anthropocene—a geological epoch defined by ecological fragility, rapid technological advancements, and escalating ideological tensions. Traditional educational paradigms, rooted in linear progressions, are ill-equipped to address the ruptures and uncertainties inherent in this epoch (Hamilton, 2016). This symposium seeks to reimagine the role of educational research in fostering a nuanced understanding of contemporary and future educational realities, as aligned with EERA’s aims. It explores how education can empower learners to navigate uncertainty, engage with planetary boundaries, and respond to transformative challenges through innovative frameworks and practices (Wallenhorst, 2023; Hétier & Wallenhorst, 2025). 

Theoretical Framework: Grounded in interdisciplinary perspectives, this symposium bridges biogeophysical insights (Rockström et al., 2009; Steffen et al., 2015; Richardson, 2023) with educational sciences, philosophy, and sociology. It interrogates the systemic, stratigraphic, and epistemic dimensions of the Anthropocene, highlighting education's role in addressing ethical, existential, and ecological challenges. Central to this exploration are post-Promethean theories that advocate for degrowth, ecological justice, and the cultivation of eco-citizenship (Weber & Kurt, 2015; Engel & Hummrich, 2023; Engel & Kerres, 2023). This framework positions educational research as a catalyst for transformative action, equipping societies to grapple with today’s escalating uncertainties and tomorrow’s unknowns. 

Methodology & Data Sources: A qualitative approach is employed, encompassing textual and visual analyses, case studies, and discourse analysis. Data is drawn from diverse educational initiatives, media narratives, and fieldwork documenting how educators and learners confront Anthropocene challenges. This includes examining the temporalities, values, and bioclimatic realities that underpin educational practices, while investigating the role of educational research in navigating the diversity of regional, cultural, and disciplinary contexts across Europe. 

Results: The symposium reveals how education in the Anthropocene disrupts traditional paradigms, enabling alternative imaginations of the future and fostering eco-pedagogical approaches. Key findings emphasize the importance of integrating biogeophysical knowledge, addressing eco-anxiety, and promoting ethical reflexivity to reshape educational frameworks. By doing so, it demonstrates how educational research can illuminate pathways for resilience, sustainability, and societal transformation in an era of profound uncertainty. 

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