First coined by ecologist Eugene Stoermer in the 1980s, the term anthropocene has come to mean a geological time period in which the actions of humanity have had a significant impact on Earth’s ecosystems.
To better understand this period, the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences will host the Anthropocence Lecture Series at 7 p.m. in the Chapel.
The series will open Aug. 28 with “Extinction in a Changing World” by Mark A. Farmer, a professor of cell biology. It will be followed by:
• “Past Futures: An Archaeology of the Anthropocene,” Victor Thompson, anthropology, Sept. 11.
• “Urbanization and Climate Change,” J. Marshall Shepherd, geography, Sept. 25.
• “Economics and the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels,” Daniel M. Everett, computer science, Oct. 9.
• “Pestilence in the 21st Century: Are Diseases Moving Out of Control?” Sonia Altizer, ecology, Oct. 23.
• “War and Global Environmental Change,” James W. Porter, ecology, Nov. 6.
• “Who is the ‘Anthro’ in Anthropocene?” Chris J. Cuomo, philosophy department and Institute for Women’s Studies, Nov. 20.
• “Repairing the World: The Theological and Moral Perspective,” William (Bill) Coates Jr. , First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Dec. 4.
