What is the Anthropocene About? - Understanding Human Impact on Earth

Explore the concept of the Anthropocene in this AGU Science Speaker Series presentation by Dr. Ben van der Pluijm, Professor of Geology and the Environment and Editor in Chief of Earth's Future. Delve into topics such as human population growth, urbanization, climate change, and energy demand as van der Pluijm examines the rapid acceleration of human impact on Earth's systems. Learn about the rate of natural processes, the Great Acceleration, and the challenges of water scarcity and resource distribution. Gain insights into risk analysis and potential solutions, including the role of governments in addressing these global issues. Recorded on May 13, 2013, at the AGU Building in Washington, D.C., this 42-minute presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the Anthropocene and its implications for our planet's future.

Intro
Living in Your Throat
We Are Extremely Lucky
Rate of Natural Processes
The Great Acceleration
Human Population
Distribution of Population
Urbanization
Water
Climate change
Demand for energy
How much is enough
The abrupt change
Risk analysis
Solutions
Governments