“Anthropocene” is about the new geological epoch that humankind has managed to create by altering the planet’s climate, geology, and ecosystems. Human beings have been influencing the planet for a long time, at least since they settled down and began practicing agriculture.


Now we are eight billion people, with a massive impact on the environment, and today we are the greatest agent of change on the planet — and the main determinant of the destiny of future generations.
Two main causes can be identified as the driving forces behind this era: the model of energy production and the model of resource consumption. Energy produced from coal, oil, and natural gas emits large amounts of greenhouse gases, the main contributors to global warming. On the other hand, population growth increases the demand for natural resources, which today exceeds the Earth’s capacity to regenerate them.

Among the consequences are: changes in the water cycle, imbalances and destruction in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, the increase in extreme weather events, ocean acidification, melting of the cryosphere, and the rise in sea levels.

This urgent challenge requires solutions such as the ongoing energy transition — decarbonizing the economy, turning to renewable and non-polluting energy sources, and promoting the responsible and equitable use of natural resources. We must rethink anthropocentrism so that humans respect the environment and development is no longer separated from nature. Humanity’s great challenge is to reconcile our aspirations and needs with a sustainable future.

Experts agree: it is not enough to fight climate change. We must understand our vulnerabilities, innovate, and adapt if we want to endure. Ignoring the risks could prove extremely costly.

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Fernando Moleres