It’s not officially the anthropocene but humans have changed the planet

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: After nearly 15 years of deliberation, a scholarly panel concluded that humanity has not significantly altered the world to warrant the declaration of a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene
• However, they acknowledged the undeniable impact of human activity on Earth

🔭 The context: The debate centered around human-driven changes such as nuclear fallout, biodiversity loss, alteration of landscapes, and the burning of fossil fuels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These activities are leaving lasting marks on the Earth, from nuclear isotopes and biodiversity changes to fossil fuel emissions and plastic pollution
• Such changes highlight the profound impact humans are having on the planet's geology and ecosystems

⏭️ What's next: Despite the decision against officially marking a new epoch, the continued examination of human impacts on Earth's geology will inform future considerations and actions
• It underscores the need for sustainable practices to mitigate long-term damage to the planet

📈 One stat: Worldwide, humans move more than 24 times the amount of sediment each year compared to what is supplied by rivers

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