Youth-Powered Anthology 'Eating Chilli Crab in the Anthropocene' Examines Everyday Environmentalism in Singapore

In 2020, Ethos Books released an anthology titled 'Eating Chilli Crab in the Anthropocene', edited by Matthew Schneider-Mayerson. This collection comprises 12 essays authored by writers from Singapore or those based there, all born between 1993 and 1998. The lead essay, written by Neo Xiaoyun, examines the moral implications of eating chilli crab in the Anthropocene, delving into crab biology, farming practices, and pain awareness. The anthology employs familiar local fauna, such as otters and monkeys, to engage in broader environmental discussions, aiming to make climate activism accessible through a gentle approach. Schneider-Mayerson, an environmental studies assistant professor at Yale-NUS College, primarily selected former students for contributions. The essays address various themes, including the Javan mynah's role in citizenship discourse and Pulau Semakau's erased indigenous narratives. Later pieces advocate for collaboration and a systematic degrowth strategy for a sustainable future. While the review praises the cohesive editing, it critiques the uniformity of the format and tone, suggesting that a wider range of voices could improve the anthology.