Chickens & nukes

[airiefairie.livejournal.com]

Those are two major traits of the last half a century that have become a central feature in a recent conclusion of a groups of scientists, which basically argues that a new epoch in Earth's development, called Anthropocene, should now be formulated separately from the Holocene:

Earth Enters Anthropocene Epoch, Thanks to Humans

This international team of researchers say the worldwide spread of plastics, concrete, and even chickens combined with man-made climate change has caused the Earth to enter its first new epoch in more than 11,500 years.

I'd say this comes a little late in recognising what has been obvious to many for more years than I can count. I would query only the name chosen - the Anthropocene assumes that there will be a future for humanity, which will look back with disgust, indulgence or incredulity on our 70-80 years of pure self-indulgence. Perhaps The Apocalene would be a better fit? Could we say the era that follows this one would be one of cockroaches, rats and things that crawl in the little remaining earth?

Comments

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

Anthropocene? Rather, the Plastcicene, or perhaps the Obscene.

[policraticus.livejournal.com]

Could we say the era that follows this one would be one of cockroaches, rats and things that crawl in the little remaining earth

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

Good news is, Earth is still going to be here, with or without us. We're fleas on its fur.