The Anthropocene is often associated with problems such as climate change and inequality. But there is also hope that it can come with positive change for the benefit of people.
If you thought the climate debate has been ugly, you haven’t seen anything yet. In 2017 Australia will review its climate policies, and the process is not off to a good start.
Despite international efforts, greenhouse gas emissions have continued to grow.
Coal image from www.shutterstock.com
The 1992 and 1993 cabinet papers confirm that Australia was a reluctant player in international discussions about climate change and environmental issues under Prime Minister Paul Keating.
An Arctic iceberg, pictured in 2015. This year, ice coverage has reached record lows for the early northern winter.
AWeith/Wikimedia Commons
The end of 2016 has brought balmy Arctic temperatures and record low ice extent for the time of year. It’s a freak event even by modern standards, and climate models point the finger firmly at humans.
Given that cities may be home to 80% of humanity by the end of the century, they can only be sustainable if eco-friendliness is one of their core features.
If Trump forsakes US support for the 2015 Paris Climate Accord as well as Obama’s bilateral climate agreement with China, the resultant rise of global warming will wreak havoc throughout Africa.
There are two competing visions for Australia’s future, argues former prime minister Kevin Rudd.
AAP/Dean Lewins
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd writes of Australia having lost its national bearings and being powerless to act to find its way in the world.
A group of youths are suing the federal government for action on climate change using a novel legal approach.
AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, Photo by Robin Loznak, courtesy of Our Children's Trust
Legal scholars explain why a lawsuit by 21 young people against the US government, arguing for a constitutional right to a stable climate, is such a powerful idea.
Wildfires in Tasmania in 2016 were in part the result of an extended dry period beginning in 2015.
Rob Blakers
Magali Dreyfus, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)
From citizens who sit on the boards of energy companies to neighbourhoods that help fund local wind farms, community action is critical to the environmental movement.
An oil rig in Angola. The country could see big reductions in export and revenue from fossil fuels as the world transitions to clean energy.
Shutterstock
Simply calling on people to eat less meat is not very useful. The consumption of meat, after all, is embedded within numerous social and cultural practices. But changing diets can benefit the planet.
Artist’s impression of an ice age.
Ittiz/wikimedia