FIELD NOTES FROM A CATASTROPHE BY ELIZABETH KOLBERT

FIELD NOTES FROM A CATASTROPHE BY ELIZABETH KOLBERT CHAPTER 10: MAN IN THE ANTHROPOCENE Geo 307 Spring 2013 Amy Anderson & Lauren Gutierrez

WELCOME TO THE ANTHROPOCENE Short Video

Words Defined §Holocene §Anthropocene §CFC’s A geological epoch which began at the end of the Pleistocene (around 12, 000 to 11, 500 C years ago) and continues to the present. An informal geologic, chronological term that serves to mark the evidence and extent of human activities that have had a significant global impact on the Earth's ecosystems. Anthropo- meaning “human” and -cene meaning “new”. A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is an organic compound that contains only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, produced as a volatile derivative of methane and ethane.

Anthropocene: A new Geological epoch What was Crutzen’s intention when he coined the term, Anthropocene? Was it a fancy name or does it have meaning? What benefits can come from renaming this epos the Anthropocene? What did Crutzen win the Nobel Prize for? Paul J. Crutzen

CFC’s Where could we find CFC’s? Asthma Inhalers Insulating Materials Some Aerosol Cans Foam Cushions Some Cleaning Solutions Refrigerants

In 1930 s, CFCs were first used in ___ ? … 1940 s? …AND THEN WE REALIZED

Montreal Protocol The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on September 16, 1987 and entered into force on January 1 , 1989 An international treaty designed to phase out the use of CFCs. It is believed that if we continue to adhere to these set guidelines the ozone is expected to recover by 2050.

“It may be impossible to imagine that a technically advanced What's Your Pick? society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing. ” Kolbert, pg. 189 “Uglies” Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

by Paul J. Crutzen and Christian Schwägerl “With countries worldwide striving to attain the “American Way of Life, ” citizens of the West should redefine it — and pioneer a modest, renewable, mindful, and less material lifestyle”- Paul J. Crutzen and Christian Schwägerl Source: http: //e 360. yale. edu/feature/living_in_the_anthropocene_toward_a_new_global_ethos/2363/