The Anthropocene, or Human Epoch, dates from the time when humans began to have a significant impact on Earth’s ecosystems. The question is, how great is that impact? Is it approaching such dire proportions that life as we know it is at grave risk, or is what we hear on the subject merely environmentalist hype?

Although I personally take the threat very seriously, I do not believe in simply preaching the “Gospel of the Anthropocene,” as it were. Hence, in this course, we shall concentrate on evidence and how to evaluate it.

Of the various ways in which Homo sapiens is disrupting ecosystems, climate change is probably the most widely discussed; less so its non-fraternal twin, ocean acidification. But there are other major issues as well, such as population increase, deforestation, industrial pollution, and the effects on ecosystems of invasive species. We shall consider these and more. We shall also pay close attention to how naysayers undermine the science involved in probing the diverse problems, as well as to what hope there may be for solving those problems.

In order to promote lively discussions, prepared reading materials will be distributed to participants at least two weeks in advance of each class meeting.

Students are expected to have access to email.