Yes, I am aware of the age of the Anthropocene. As has been widely discussed by global scientists, the influence of humans on the earth’s environment is significant. These activities have led to what has widely been termed as global warming, triggered by higher concentrations of Methane and CO2 in the atmosphere. Humans have introduced new changes from a geological perspective such as the production of roughly 300m metric tons of plastic each year .
The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) is the organ that decides the age or the time period that we live in . The process of defining any age involves setting up a group of diverse but relevant experts who draft a proposal within a specified timeline which is then considered by the ICS. If approved, the new age is officially assumed. The ICS is defining the current period “Anthropocene” in order to reflect the current impact of human activities on earth.
Anthropocene is temporal in that the effects as a result of human activity could be reversed, or the epoch may not last long. This period differs from other ages in that the ICS previously examined rocks to define the varied time periods while for epoch they are looking at the advent of atomic bomb residues such as radionuclides around the 1940s.
According to Vaughan, one evidence is the ubiquitous microplastic particles in our oceans as well as waterways. This can be reversed by recycling wastes through designing of proper urban disposal and recycling mechanisms.
Another article about Anthropocene is by Deborah Byrd published in EarthSky on August 31, 2016, titled “Experts declare Anthropocene has begun.” What this means is that the group of experts tasked with deliberating whether to make Anthropocene official decided to do so. Anthropocene simply translates to “age of humans” .
It is clear that humans have exerted so much impact on earth that wherever one goes, it is easy to see the impact. As the human population continues to increase - thanks to modern science and technology - the “age of humans” will only become more manifested.
Works Cited
Byrd, Deborah. Experts declare Anthropocene has begun. 31 August 2016. Web. 6 September 2016. <http://earthsky.org/human-world/experts-declare-anthropocene-has-begun>.
Sample, Ian. Anthropocene: is this the new epoch of humans? 2014 October 2014. Document. 6 September 2016.
Vaughan, Adam. Human impact has pushed Earth into the Anthropocene, scientists say. 7 January 2016. Web. 6 September 2016. <https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jan/07/human-impact-has-pushed-earth-into-the-anthropocene-scientists-say>.
