Global Environmental Change

Question 1

What is the Anthropocene?

Answer 1

A proposed epoch characterized by significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems, including mass extinctions, pollution, and atmospheric changes. Introduced by Paul Crutzen in 2000

Question 2

What are the proposed start points of the Anthropocene?

Answer 2

1. First use of fire by homo genus (1.5 MYA)
2. European colonization of North America (1600s)
3. Industrial Revolution (mid 1700s)
4. Post WW2 growth (1950s)
5. Nuclear weapon testing (1960s)

Question 3

What are three major problems of global environmental change?

Answer 3

Land use change, biological invasions, climate change

Question 4

What are the consequences of land-use change?

Answer 4

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• increased carbon emissions
• large-scale effects from activities like irrigation and dams

Question 5

What are biological invasions and why are they significant?

Answer 5

Occur when species are introduced to non-native habitats, often becoming predators, competitors, or desease vectors. They cause more than $120 billion in losses annually in the US alone