Explore the concept of the Anthropocene and its impact on our planet in this 50-minute lecture from The Royal Institution. Join Jan Zalasiewicz and Christian Schwägerl as they discuss the transition from the Holocene to the new human-dominated geological epoch. Delve into topics such as the nuclear signal, agriculture as an ecosystem, and the development of an Anthropocene democracy. Learn about the innovations, fears, and promises associated with this pivotal moment in planetary history. Gain insights into how human actions have altered the Earth and how we now shape nature. Discover the implications of this new era for various aspects of society, including energy consumption, directed evolution, and the concept of a sharing economy.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
INTERNATIONAL STRATIGRAPHIC CHART
Fertiliser Consumption
The nuclear signal
THE ANTHROPOCENE PROJECT 2012-14
IS THE ANTHROPOCENE A DANGEROUS IDEA?
THE LONG NOW
TURNING AGRICULTURE INTO AN ECOSYSTEM
The larger the pile of rubble you leave behind. the larger your place in the historical record.
BUILDING A REAL SHARING ECONOMY
BECOMING ENERGY-SMART
BECOMING CONSCIOUS ABOUT DIRECTED EVOLUTION
DEVELOPING AN ETHOS OF CONNECTEDNESS
THE CENTRAL BANK
BUILDING AN INTERNET OF ALL THINGS
# 12 REVITALISING MATERIALISM...
DEVELOPING AN ANTHROPOCENE DEMOCRACY
Taught by
The Royal Institution
