Geological Time Scale - Anthropocene?

[ebacon]

Interesting article on scientists debating whether we have entered a new geological time period, one marked by man's effects on geology. It seems the debate hinges, in part, on whether periods should be marked only be geological change or whether human involvement can be included in the considerations.

The earliest time period is marked by the appearance of fossils, i.e. living creatures. It seems to me that humans, also being living creatures, are fair game in the consideration. To leave humans out would appear to put us at a level superior to other living things. I would not be ready to vote to go that far. IMO we are all part of the ecosystem. If we imagine ourselves as independent of other living things then I think we would have what Carl Sagan called an "imagined self-importance" in his Pale Blue Dot speech.

What do you think? Are you more important than snails? Dolphins? Orangutans? Roses?

The scope of the question is a neat exercise between science and philosophy me thinks.

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2...ocene-holocene

Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g

[piece-itpete]

It's entirely possible, given our horrendous overpopulation.

As a Christian I do believe the earth was given to us for our use. That also expects good stewardship.

Pete

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

It's entirely possible, given our horrendous overpopulation.

As a Christian I do believe the earth was given to us for our use. That also expects good stewardship.

Pete

I am not holding my breath.

[piece-itpete]

If this level of stewardship keeps up we might have to Rob!

Pete

[Tom Joad]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

It's entirely possible, given our horrendous overpopulation.

As a Christian I do believe the earth was given to us for our use. That also expects good stewardship.

Pete

You don't have to be a Christian to believe that shitting in your own mess kit is a bad idea.

[piece-itpete]

Well said! Twice agreed in a week Tom

Pete

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

It's entirely possible, given our horrendous overpopulation.

Pete

The earth is not overpopulated. There are large empty spaces in the Americas,
Africa, Australia and Asia.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

The earth is not overpopulated. There are large empty spaces in the Americas,
Africa, Australia and Asia.

Siberia too.

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

The earth is not overpopulated. There are large empty spaces in the Americas,
Africa, Australia and Asia.

But the empty space is mostly poorly watered. Without water, land is so useless it might as well not exist. Really, it's just an obstacle that must be traversed to get to water.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by donquixote99

But the empty space is mostly poorly watered. Without water, land is so useless it might as well not exist. Really, it's just an obstacle that must be traversed to get to water.

It - access to water - is basically a technological challenge which I believe is not huge.