Geologic time is divided into units like eras (like the Cenozoic) and periods (such as the Jurassic). These span millions of years. Then there are relatively shorter epochs: The Holocene epoch started 12,000 years ago. Now some scientists say we've entered a new epoch: the Anthropocene. This name reflects that humans are now the major cause of changes in our planet’s climate and environment. We’ll learn about the Anthropocene and what it means about our impact on Earth.
Panelists:
Jacquelyn Gill, Associate Professor of Paleoecology & Plant Ecology, School of Biology and Ecology and Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
Gregory Zaro, Associate Professor, Anthropology Department
and Climate Change Institute, University of Maine
Resources:
Scientists say new epoch marked by human impact — the Anthropocene — began in 1950s | Maine Public
What Is the Anthropocene and Are We in It? | Science| Smithsonian Magazine
Colores | Living in a New Age: The Anthropocene with Bill Gilbert | Maine PBS (mainepublic.org)
