Genesis to the Anthropocene. This day is where my thoughts are. I could have just as well majored in geology, anthology or theology but I was guided to political science and public service. There is debate as to which Epoch mankind is in now. The below was the answer of A.I. on my inquiry. So that might be the answer; can WE use technology as a new era "companion" while persevering the environment and 'mother Earth'. A fine line we walk.
Interesting reading another a which says mankind has created nee minerals; that article was being kind in by not naming those new minerals as pollution and radiation.
Stewards of the Earth mankind is called to be from my reading of the Garden of Eden story in the Bible. We flubbed it up! Using technology to create weapons may have been one of the greatest detours down the road to destruction for mankind. That is no success in my perspective. That technology applied in the specialties of energy and/or travel or infrastructure purposes only this planet would be on trajectory of 'futuristic' beneficial elements, devices, and tools in our lives every day.......emphasizing not weapons!
As a graduate student I plan on presenting fresh new ideas rather they go against tee grain or not that spark dialogue to create healing, cooperation amongst practitioners of all domains, cures and innovation. One ideal has l suggested been in a paper written in my early coursework. I know another student did review the suggestion which is sufficient for me.
That question of War in terms of progress and survival of our species was an error in vision and leadership. With respect to the generals & scientist and the like who developed such.
I lean in favor of widening those gates and that road - A.T. Yoda Brooks
Mathew 7:13 -14
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
The term "Anthropocene" refers to the current geological epoch where human activity has become the dominant force shaping the Earth's environment, climate, and ecosystems. The shift from earlier geological periods like the Holocene to the Anthropocene is marked by significant changes, including increased carbon dioxide emissions, population growth, and technological advancements. Some see the Industrial Revolution as a key starting point for this epoch, while others point to the Great Acceleration, a period of rapid growth and change starting around 1945. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Genesis and the Anthropocene: The Genesis stories, particularly the narratives of Adam and Eve and the Flood, have been interpreted in relation to the Anthropocene, offering insights into human dominion over nature and the consequences of that dominion. Some see the Fall of Adam and Eve as a metaphor for anthropocentrism, the human tendency to view ourselves as separate from and superior to the rest of creation. Others see the Flood narrative as a potential framework for understanding the Earth system and the challenges of the Anthropocene. [5, 5, 6, 6]
The Anthropocene as a Geological Epoch: The concept of the Anthropocene has gained traction in scientific and social discourse, with some suggesting it as a new geological epoch to replace the Holocene. However, a committee of researchers recently decided that the Anthropocene will not be officially declared as a new epoch. [1, 1, 4, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10]
Key Features of the Anthropocene: The Anthropocene is characterized by: [3, 3]
Increased Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have led to a dramatic increase in atmospheric CO2, contributing to climate change. [3, 3, 11, 12, 13]
Population Growth: The human population has grown exponentially, leading to increased demands on resources and increased environmental impact. [3, 3, 14, 15]
Technological Advancements: Technological innovations, such as the Industrial Revolution and the Great Acceleration, have further amplified human impacts on the environment. [3, 3, 16, 17, 18, 19]
The Great Acceleration: This period, roughly from 1945 to the present, is marked by rapid population growth, industrialization, and technological advancements, leading to significant changes in the Earth's systems. [3, 3, 17, 17]
The Columbian Exchange Hypothesis: This perspective argues that the European colonization of the Americas had significant and lasting ecological and socioeconomic consequences, contributing to the transition towards the Anthropocene. [3, 3]
Reconnecting with the Past: Some researchers and artists are exploring ways to reconnect with the natural world before the Anthropocene, seeking to understand the impacts of human activities and to inspire a more sustainable future. [20, 20, 21]
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/humans-create-new-epoch-new-minerals-anthropocene-2017-2#humans-arent-just-creating-new-minerals-were-also-moving-around-existing-minerals-and-shifting-the-make-up-of-them-on-the-planets-surface-millions-of-years-from-now-people-will-say-oh-look-there-is-clear-evidence-that-humans-have-changed-the-geologic-environment-hazen-said-7
Generative AI is experimental.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropocene
[2] https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-the-anthropocene.html
[3] https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/text-2020-0080/html
[4] https://www.npr.org/2023/07/11/1187125012/anthropocene-crawford-lake-canada-beginning
[5] https://earthandaltarmag.com/posts/yhllsd3vzq1otehw1lxexh624ep07x
[6] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14688417.2019.1706611
[7] https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/text-2020-0080/html
[8] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00675-8
[9] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/climate/anthropocene-epoch-vote-rejected.html
[10] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/climate/anthropocene-vote-upheld.html
[11] https://www.joinexpeditions.com/exps/243
[14] https://www.lutterworth.com/wp-content/uploads/extracts/religion-anthropocene-intro.pdf
[15] https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/bitstreams/3a335c7f-cb88-44e7-917c-3ff23fc53c81/download
[16] https://www.anthropocenes.net/article/id/1293/
[17] https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/abstract/document/obo-9780199363445/obo-9780199363445-0005.xml
[18] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950236524000343
[21] https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7208/9780226508825-018/pdf?licenseType=restricted