Chickens & nukes

Aug 30, 2016 14:40

Those are two major traits of the last half a century that have become a central feature in a recent conclusion of a groups of scientists, which basically argues that a new epoch in Earth's development, called Anthropocene, should now be formulated separately from the Holocene:

Earth Enters Anthropocene Epoch, Thanks to Humans

This international team of researchers say the worldwide spread of plastics, concrete, and even chickens combined with man-made climate change has caused the Earth to enter its first new epoch in more than 11,500 years.

I'd say this comes a little late in recognising what has been obvious to many for more years than I can count. I would query only the name chosen - the Anthropocene assumes that there will be a future for humanity, which will look back with disgust, indulgence or incredulity on our 70-80 years of pure self-indulgence. Perhaps The Apocalene would be a better fit? Could we say the era that follows this one would be one of cockroaches, rats and things that crawl in the little remaining earth?

science, ecology, environment

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