num_pages: 208
description: Explores the causes and implications of the Anthropocene or Age of Humans from multiple points of view including anthropological scientific social artistic and economic.Although we arrived only recently in Earth's timeline humans are driving major changes to the planet's ecosystems. Even now the basic requirements for human life--air water shelter food nature and culture--are rapidly transforming the planet as billions of people compete for resources. These changes have become so noticeable on a global scale that scientists believe we are living in a new chapter in Earth's story: the Anthropocene or Age of Humans. Living in the Anthropocene: Earth in the Age of Humans is a vital look at this era. The book contextualizes the Anthropocene by presenting paleontological historical and contemporary views of various human effects on Earth. It discusses environmental and biological systems that have been changed and affected; the causes of the Anthropocene such as agricultural spread pollution and urbanization; how societies are responding and adapting to these changes; how these changes have been represented in art film television and literature; and finally offers a look toward the future of our environment and our own lives.
language: English
title: Living in the Anthropocene: Earth in the Age of Humans
publisher: Smithsonian Books