The Anthropocene - The Human Epoch: Documentary Reflection

Gradual buildup of substances in living organisms over time

Typically pollutants or toxins

Occurs when an organism absorbs a substance at a rate greater than it eliminates or metabolizes it

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

Certain pesticides

Industrial chemicals

Environmental Issues

Impact on ecosystems

Presence of bioaccumulative substances in aquatic environments

Impact on aquatic life

Health issues

Reproductive problems

Impact on food webs

Ecosystem imbalances

Bioaccumulated substances can move through the food chain, with higher trophic levels experiencing greater concentrations

Risks for humans consuming organisms higher in the food chain

Biomagnification

Intensifies the concentration of substances as they move up the food chain

Consequences of Biomagnification

Climate Change

Influence on the distribution of toxins and pollutants

Feedback loops with the release of stored toxins

Improper disposal leading to environmental contamination

Role of Transnational Corporations

TNCs contributing to the production and distribution of toxins

Global trade impact on the spread of toxic substances

Over-consumption

Excessive production of plastics and chemicals

Different plastics are identified by resin identification codes

Resin ID codes range from 1 to 7

Plastics are derived from polymers sourced from natural materials

Crude oil

Coal

Natural gas

Cellulose

Salt

Waste Management and Recycling

Variation in plastic recycling practices in different communities

Economic reasons

Mechanical reasons

Global Issue of Over-consumption

Increased production and disposal of non-recyclable plastics

Environmental Impact of Plastics

Non-recyclable plastics contributing to environmental pollution

Leads to long-term impact

Slow decomposition of plastics

Recycling and disposal are essential due to this

Human Health Concerns

Potential exposure to toxic chemicals from non-recyclable plastics

Evolved from early semi-synthetic plastics to entirely synthetic ones

Bakelite

Cellophane

PVC

Polyethylene

Nylon

Polyester

Polystyrene

Cultural and Societal Impact

Integration of plastics into everyday life

Mass production

Environmental consequences

Evolution of Production Techniques

Lead to mass production and variety of plastics

Surged in the 1960s leading to environmental concerns and recycling initiatives

Environmental Activism

Campaigns against overconsumption and improper waste disposal

Innovation and Alternatives

Introduction of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics

Overconsumption and limited recycling leading to a crisis

Crisis prompts efforts to reduce single-use plastics

Public awareness and frustration drive a potential revolution against single-use plastics

Possibility of eliminating single-use plastics from daily lives

Government and Corporate Responses

Bans

Restrictions

Initiatives to reduce single-use plastics

Sustainable alternatives

Plastic-free materials

Educational programs

Public Awareness and Activism

Shift in consumer and corporate behaviour towards sustainable practices

Impact on Human and Animal Health

Implications of plastic waste on health

Implications on the environment

Geological time scale

Official timeline of Earth's history

Marks significant events

Golden spikes indicate specific points

The Anthropocene epoch is debated due to multiple potential golden spikes

Technofossils serve as markers of human influence on Earth

Plastics

Concrete

Epochs and Anthropocene Debate

Identification of significant global events

Current debate on the beginning of a new epoch

Multiple potential golden spikes marking significant events

Scientific Decision-Making

Ratification of time periods by academic committees

Dominant signals and golden spikes

Human Impact on Earth

Human presence in the Holocene epoch

Potential shift to the Anthropocene epoch

Involves

Reshaping land for agriculture

Industrialization

Urbanization

Examples

Tree cutting

Deforestation in British Columbia

Creation of toxic garbage

Toxic garbage in the Dandora landfill

Population growth impact

Rapid population growth in Nigeria

Land scars from mining

Global Impact of Terraforming

Scale

Importance of human-induced environmental change

Scientific Study of the Anthropocene

Charting human influence on Earth through various markers

Importance of terraforming as a key marker

Human-induced changes in landscapes contribute to the Anthropocene epoch

Mass Extinction in the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene is marked by a sixth mass extinction caused by human activities

Rapid Decline in Animal Species

Significant decline in animal populations due to human activity

Illegal poaching

Threats to elephants and rhinoceroses leading to population decline

Illegal Ivory Trade

Elephant Poaching

Extinction of species

Northern White Rhinoceros

Near-extinction of diverse rhinoceros species due to human activities

Ecosystem Loss and Smaller Species Decline

Ecosystem loss affects various organisms, not just large mammals

Insects

Birds

Fish

Habitat disruption due to human activities

Involves

Extracting crude oil

Extracting natural gas

Refining

Creating polymers

Cycle

Bottling processes

Distribution

Consumer use

Disposal

Resource Consumption

Inordinate amounts of natural resources required for plastic production

Environmental Impact of Production

Greenhouse gas emissions

Pollution from the production process

Waste Generation and Disposal

Landfill issues

Slow decomposition of plastics

Recycling is not perfect

Recycled plastic loses quality and durability over successive cycles

Global Issue of Over-consumption

Growing concern and inquiries about plastic consumption and its impact

Questions about the necessity of single-use plastic items

Root Causes of Waste Production

Misconceptions about recycling

Lack of education

Treating other countries as dumping grounds

Poor attitudes leading to excess waste

Global Plastic Waste Trade

Exporting plastic waste from developed to developing countries

Becoming a growing concern

Capacity and Funding Challenges

Developing countries struggling to handle the waste from developed nations

Environmental Impact of Plastic Export

Pollution

Lack of infrastructure

Negative outcomes in recipient countries

Consumer Education and Empowerment

The need for informed consumer choices and responsible waste management practices

Empowering individuals to make informed choices and reduce waste

Environmental Impact of Landfills

Methane gas release

Contribution to greenhouse gas emissions

Environmental pollution

Poses challenges in recycling

Improper disposal of plastics can lead to environmental harm

Waste Production and Recycling Rates

High production

Low recycling rates

Impact on waste management

Global Plastic Waste Management

Exporting plastic waste to other countries and its negative outcomes

Canadians produce significant waste

Large portion ending up in landfills

Decomposition of Plastic

Extended decomposition time

Environmental dispersion of microplastics

Carbon Footprint Awareness

Understanding personal waste production and its impact on the biosphere

Human-generated objects are technofossils

They serve as geological markers and indicators of human impact on the environment

Concrete

Extensive use

Coating the Earth

Significance in future geological records

Aluminum

Mass production

Unique properties

Role as an indicator of human activity

Plastics

Rapid increase in production

Long-lasting impact

Global significance

The technosphere is a significant component

Composed of human-made materials

Anthropocene and the Technosphere

Contribution of human-made objects as indicators of a new epoch

Technofossils and the Technosphere

Physical components of human systems and technologies

Resistance to decay

Estimated weight of the technosphere

Involves large-scale activities under the Earth by humans

Human tunnelling

Drilling

Mining

Human activities transform both the Earth's surface and subsurface

Examples

Berezniki's extensive underground tunnels

Sinkholes

The Gotthard Base Tunnel

Growing Underground in London

Florida phosphate mining

Impact on Urban Areas

Scarring the planet and transforming the underworld

Proof of human ability to change the Earth

Technological advancements leaving a definitive record of human presence

Indications of human influence on Earth's geology

Global Infrastructure and Engineering

Anthropogenic transformation of landscapes

Development

Extensive tunnels

Mines

Quarries

Industrial Revolution and Carbon Emissions

Release of over 390 billion tonnes of anthropogenic carbon emissions into the air

Until a more efficient energy source is found, global sustainability takes a back seat

Emissions result from cement production and burning of fossil fuels

Corporate Knowledge and Responsibility

Major fossil fuel companies have known for decades that their products contribute to global warming

Companies operating along coastlines are aware of the physical damage and pollution their activities cause

Historical CO2 Levels and Warming Predictions

Throughout much of Earth's history, CO2 levels ranged between 200 ppm and 280 ppm

In 2013, CO2 levels reached 400 ppm for the first time on record

Estimated climate warming of 3.2 to 5.4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100

Underwater Impact

Coral Bleaching

Linked to rising sea temperatures and increasing ocean acidity

In 2016, The Great Barrier Reef suffered a mass bleaching event

Lost around 22% of its corals

Australia is a major coal exporter

Faces tensions between conservation and industry

Climate Change Effects on Lagos, Nigeria

A high-risk city due to coastal erosion intensified by climate change

The city's layout of islands and peninsulas exacerbates the impact of natural coastal processes

Wealth disparity and informal settlements increase vulnerability to flooding

Human Response and Activism

The World Wildlife Fund reported a significant decline in population for half of all animal species since 1970

Sixth mass extinction is attributed to human activity and pollution

Urgent need for changes in industry practices and individual behaviors to combat climate change

Examples

Los Angeles' historical development

China's megacity growth

India's struggle with informal settlements

Urban sprawl

Involves the expansion of cities and suburbs into rural and natural lands

Movement of people

Large-scale growth

Land-use transformation

Consequences

Habitat loss

Decline in biodiversity due to urban development and land reclamation

Environmental changes

Seawalls

Population challenges

Population Growth

Urban Planning

Struggles in accommodating growing populations and the need for sustainable urban development

Infrastructure changes

Role of highways

Informal settlements in urban expansion