Why is the idea of the Anthropocene so contentious? The question of whether humans created a new epoch has been stirring up drama for almost 25 years.
by prohb
Why is the idea of the Anthropocene so contentious? The question of whether humans created a new epoch has been stirring up drama for almost 25 years.
by prohb
5 comments
Anthropocentric arrogance.
You missed a century there.
The idea is contentious because the people ruining the world are in denial about what they’re doing, and that denial is their entire identity. Also because to the religious types, if humans are causing catastrophic climate chaos and the sixth great mass extinction, that means [insert_your_favorite_deity_here] is not in control of everything that happens, and that narrative is similarly intolerable.
A significant portion of geologists work in oil and gas, many work with mining corporations. I think these are the geologists pushing the “no Anthropocene” narrative on behalf of their employers. Whenever I look up anything with geology theres almost always a fossil fuel company sponsoring the content or facility. Petroleum Geology employment is expected to rise 5% from ’22-’32.
Because a few flakes of evidence do not yet equal an avalanche. Consider what happened to distinguish different ages from each other. We’re not there *yet*. Simple as that.