A New Epoch of Geological Time Has Begun!
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Talk about out doing the change in millennium.
With population growth, the use of fossil fuels, atomic bomb tests and the like human activities are having a deep and lasting impact on the Earth. No news here but some leading intellects are arguing that the impact is so deep we must declare a new epoch of geologic time. They call it the Anthropocene (Man made) era and it:
“…represents a new phase in the history of both humankind and of the Earth, when natural forces and human forces became intertwined, so that the fate of one determines the fate of the other. Geologically, this is a remarkable episode in the history of this planet.”
For a great overview check out the theme issue of The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society:
The Anthropocene: A New Epoch of Geological Time? Follow the link to the journal and all the articles are free on-line.
The introduction might be of most use to designers. Assuming the Anthropocene has merit, there is likely no stronger argument to be made for the value and importance of design. We could even be so bold as to call it the Design Epoch. Less technical but meaning the same thing, namely made by people.
