Reflections on the Anthropocene

Abstract

Humans have dramatically changed Earth’s environment, on the land, in the ocean and in the atmosphere. The rate of change of these perturbations in the Anthropocene is unlike any in our geological past. This also means humans need to develop plans to counter the most severe effects. Geoengineering is probably the best example of the search for a solution to such a self-created problem. However, a long-term solution most likely requires a shift in our thinking towards sustainable development, putting environmental cost before capital gains and developing a more cyclic economy. This requires changes in the way we define and perceive the interaction between the biogeochemistry of Earth system and our own economies.