HNR 234 ADAPTING TO THE ANTHROPOCENE

Humans have radically altered nearly every aspect of life on Earth. From the composition of the atmosphere, to the extinction of thousands of species, it is impossible to escape the consequences of human society. Although we typically think of these environmental issues as modern phenomenon, people have altered the environment around them in ways that are vastly different from other species for 50,000 years. Today, many geologists consider the impact of humanity so great as to warrant the naming of a new geological Age – The Anthropocene. In this class, we will begin by looking at the profound ways that humans have impacted the Earth, drawing from geology, atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, and oceanography. We also consider the socio-economic aspects of human society that contribute to these widespread global changes. Although this may seem bleak, there are simultaneously some incredible adaptations that people are making to living and thriving in this new, modern world. In the second half of the semester, we will focus on the current adaptations that individuals and communities are making to adjust to our current environment and explore future visions in sustainability that may shape the future of humanity in the Anthropocene.