Anthropocene: Understanding the history of human impact on our planet

University of Liverpool Evolutionary Anthropology Webinar Series: Thursday 10th March 2022.
Abstract: Meteorites, mega-volcanoes, plate tectonics and now human beings; the old forces of nature that transformed Earth many millions of years ago are joined by another: us. Our actions have driven Earth into a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. For the first time in our home planet's 4.5-billion year history a single species is dictating Earth's future. To some the Anthropocene symbolises a future of superlative control of our environment. To others it is the height of hubris, the illusion of our mastery over nature. Whatever your view, just below the surface of this odd-sounding scientific word, the Anthropocene, is a heady mix of science, philosophy, religion and politics linked to our deepest fears and utopian visions. Prof. Mark Maslin traces the co-evolution of human society and its environmental impact revealing when and why humans began to dominate the Earth and shows us what the new epoch means for all of us.
Hosted by Carys Phillips, PhD student at the University of Liverpool.

For more information on the programme, find us on Twitter @LivUni_EvoAnth or email us at [email protected]