There are three areas of discussion to consider:
Erle C. Ellis, author of, “Anthropocene: A Very Short Introduction”, gives his top 10 things you should know about the Anthropocene which humanity has left its mark on the Earth, from pollution and the use of fossil fuels to mass extinctions.
Ellis is an American environmental scientist. Ellis’s work investigates the causes and consequences of long-term ecological changes caused by humans at local to global scales, including those related to the Anthropocene.
Which of the top 10 stood out for you? Were you surprised by anything he said? Was anything new to you?
For now, only based on the quick review of proposals Ellis introduced to us:
2. When do you think our greatest human impact on the planet began? (you will have a chance to learn about all of these and change your mind later if you want to)
And lastly:
We will spend a lot of time learning more about and exploring when the Anthropocene Epoch might have begun and whether or not it is “good or bad”. But Ellis says: The Anthropocene is not over yet- we are now aware of and in charge of this new story, this new Epoch, whether we will we be the planets destroyers or its salvation has yet to be seen.
Others will mention that this is a timer of awareness and hope to now do what is right.
Yet you will learn that some feel: ” The idea of the Anthropocene is not welcoming. It should frighten us. And scientists should present it as such.”
3. Which is it to you right now? With knowing just this early introduction. Empowering? Frightening? or other?
And is it the Scientists role (Ellis’s responsibility?) to provide hope or fear? Or just the data? Or?