Altered Earth: Getting the Anthropocene Right

The Anthropocene is a new geological epoch in which human activity is the dominant force shaping the planet. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Anthropocene, exploring its history, causes, and consequences.

The Anthropocene is a relatively new concept, having only been正式 recognized by the International Commission on Stratigraphy in 2016. However, the idea that human activity is having a significant impact on the planet has been around for centuries. In the 18th century, the Scottish geologist James Hutton coined the term "uniformitarianism" to describe the idea that the Earth's surface has been shaped by the same processes over time. Hutton argued that the Earth's surface is constantly changing, and that these changes are driven by both natural forces and human activity.

Altered Earth: Getting the Anthropocene Right

by Julia Adeney Thomas

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Language	:	English
File size	:	2839 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages

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In the 19th century, the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt coined the term "Anthropocene" to describe the impact of human activity on the planet. Humboldt argued that humans are a geological force, and that their activities are having a significant impact on the Earth's surface. In the 20th century, the American scientist Paul Crutzen popularized the term "Anthropocene" to describe the current geological epoch in which human activity is the dominant force shaping the planet.

• The Anthropocene is a new geological epoch.
• Human activity is the dominant force shaping the planet.
• The Anthropocene is a relatively new concept.
• The idea that human activity is having a significant impact on the planet has been around for centuries.
• The term "Anthropocene" was coined by the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt.
• The American scientist Paul Crutzen popularized the term "Anthropocene" to describe the current geological epoch.

The Anthropocene is a complex and controversial concept. Some scientists argue that the Anthropocene is a new geological epoch, while others argue that it is simply a continuation of the Holocene epoch. There is also debate about the start date of the Anthropocene. Some scientists argue that the Anthropocene began with the Industrial Revolution, while others argue that it began much earlier, with the rise of agriculture.

Despite the debate about its definition, the Anthropocene is a clear indication of the impact that human activity is having on the planet. The Anthropocene is a time of great change, and it is important to understand the causes and consequences of this change so that we can make informed decisions about the future of our planet.