The idea of the Anthropocene is a very intriguing one. Humans have always had an impact on their environment, but since the industrial revolution, that impact has become much larger than ever before. The film Anthropocene, directed by Steve Bradshaw, introduces the idea that humans have become geological agents. We can now modify the structure of the Earth on the scale that nature can. We have rerouted rivers, created new materials, and modified the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Hoover Dam is an example of our ability to change ecosystems (photo from History.com)
Thus, it is ironic that we have failed to solve issues like climate change. We can drain lakes, flatten landscapes, and extinguish hundreds of species, but we cannot seem to take the perhaps simpler step of significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. We have very little control over our ability to change the planet. Some view the Anthropocene positively, for it seems to showcase human power and ingenuity–we are able to mimic the powerful forces of nature. However, personally, I think the idea of the Anthropocene is not a positive one. Humans are using their intelligence to take advantage of the Earth’s finite resources, fueling great reproductive and species success. This is something every life form strives to do, so are we not just smarter rats?
Despite this, I am optimistic about the future of the Anthropocene, for as we gain a better understanding of the global ecosystem, we improve our ability to consciously choose what our impact on the Earth will be. If we are able to harness our power, we can solve the environmental issues facing us today. Otherwise, maybe we can find a new planet.