The Anthropocene is the current geological age, where humans are the dominant species on the earth. In their respective articles concerning the Anthropocene, both Vitousek and Karevia make the claim that there is no ecosystem on Earth’s surface that is free from human influence. Hence, we live in an age where human modification on the environment has induced changes to ecosystems across the globe.
In “Human Domination of Earth’s Ecosystems,” Vitousek characterizes the Anthropocene as an era where human interaction with the environment has severe global consequences. For example, humans make land transformations and in doing so, divert resources and alter the habitat of surrounding organisms. Unfortunately, these consequences are not constricted to land. Vitousek makes it clear that our actions also affect the Earth’s geochemistry by altering biochemical cycles and spurring biotic changes. Marine ecosystems are no exception. According to Vitousek, many fisheries target top predators, which in turn changes the makeup of the ecosystem. In some cases, we have endangered species and made it difficult for certain organisms to survive in their original habitat. As a result, the idea of conservation has risen to prominence as a solution to preserving natural environments.
Conservation efforts are at an all time high. According to “Conservation in the Anthropocene”, Kareiva explains that approximately 13% of the earth’s land is protected. Yet, protected ecosystems are not beyond the scope of human influence. Kareiva also mentions that the pace of environmental destruction is also at an all time high. Meaning, human actions extend beyond our physical reach and as a result, our methods of conservation have proven ineffective. In trying to preserve these “pristine islands” amidst human development, we have ousted indigenous people, portrayed nature as fragile, and ignited a man versus nature battle. However, as Kareiva points out, nature is not fragile at all. It was resilient enough to have survived a nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl and deforestation in Indonesia. Hence, the more appropriate solution to avoiding environmental destruction is not to seal off wetlands, forests, and create parks. Instead, it is to see nature’s survival as something that is a part of human survival.
The continuous relentless actions of humans that have come to characterize this era as the Anthropocene, has taken its toll on nature. Dominance has blinded us to the fact that our survival is also dependent on nature, and that our actions directly influence ecosystems beyond our own. As a result, the more appropriate solution is one that Kareiva describes as an integration of nature’s benefits into our culture. The new version of the planet is one that will feature a designed mix of nature and humans where we work together, grow, and ensure survival. This is the future of the Anthropocene, where man is dominant but not disruptive.
