🌱Entering the Anthropocene

This week, a panel of international scientists [voted]( name the current era of time, starting just after World War II, the Anthropocene. The term means a time of significant human impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems, including but not limited to anthropogenic climate change. The term was first [popularized]( 2000 by atmospheric chemist and Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen but has gained popularity in the last 10 years. Though a significant statement across the world, the determination by the panel of scientists is particularly important in the United States where the proportion of climate change deniers is one of the [highest in the world](. Naming this era after human's influence on Earth systems directly refutes the argument that climate change is 1. not happening and 2. happening, but not caused by humans. Climate change denial, as well as the absolution of humans from sparking unprecedented emissions of greenhouse gases, has ushered humanity into a time of extreme natural disasters, severe food insecurity and projections of an even more dire future. Stomping out widespread denial among individuals and within politics is a critical part of garnering enough support for policies that may slow down the destruction ahead. California is proposing a partnership with Brazil that would offset its carbon emissions with reforestation projects; but the history of forest carbon offsets in the South American country is dubious, at best, ProPublica found. [Read More +]( [National park visitors have $4B impact on local economies]( In Yellowstone National Park alone, 4.1 million visitors spent $512.6 million in communities near the park. [Read More +]( [Drought hits 20-year low in Colorado]( The U.S. Drought Monitor shows 0.01% of Colorado as abnormally dry, the mildest possible ranking. The previous record was in May 2001 when 0.13% was considered abnormally dry. [Read More +]( [How do tribal nations’ treaties figure into climate change?]( High Country News Assistant Editor Anna V. Smith dives into how Native American tribes could utilize terms of their treaties with the United States to force government action on climate change. [Read+]( [Jay Inslee is writing the climate plan the next president should adopt]( "This isn’t just a campaign play, it’s a document the next Democratic president is going to want in-hand when the time comes to get to work," writes Vox's David Roberts. [Read More +]( [Anthropocene now: Influential panel votes to recognize Earth’s new epoch]( A panel of scientists voted to name the epoch started in 1945 the Anthropocene, marking the profound ways in which humans have altered the planet. [Read More +]( What else we're reading this week - Why big oil is jumping on the [carbon tax]( bandwagon via Grist - OPINION: Utah continues its [assault]( public lands via The New York Times - WATCH: How scientists are trying to [predict wildfire movement]( PBS - Washington [first state]( to legalize human composting via KUOW - [Rogue emissions of]( chemical]( to China]( via BBC [Quote of the day:]( “Our national parks are one of the very best taxpayer investments in this country. For many reasons, well beyond economics, it’s essential that we invest aggressively to protect these incredible places in the future.” -Cam Sholly, Yellowstone National Park superintendent Tip of the day: As the school year comes to a close, donate, reuse and recycle as much as you can. Though it's easy to just toss it all in the trash, much of the supplies can be reclaimed. [Subscribe now!]( A free weekly environment briefing that comes to you. No algorithms, clickbait or ads – just what's worth reading. I've got your back Hi, my name is Liz Forster. I am an environment reporter and have a particular interest in public land management, natural disasters, climate change and ecology, among other topics. I received a degree in Environmental Policy from Colorado College and have worked for a Colorado newspaper since. Subscribe and each week, I'll comb through newspaper's headlines and send you the latest, most pertinent environment news. Questions, comments, suggestions? Email me at liz.forster@gazette.com or follow me on Twitter at @lizmforster. You're receiving this email because you signed up for Environment Weekly emails The Colorado Springs Gazette, L.L.C. | 100 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 [Unsubscribe {EMAIL}]( [Update Profile]( | [Our Privacy Policy]( | [About our service provider]( Sent by noreply@gazette.com