THE URGENCY OF THE ANTHROPOCENE

Abstract

The dominant external forces controlling Earth’s dynamics have been astronomical and geophysical forces during the planet’s 4.5-billion-year existence. In the last six decades, anthropic forces have driven exceptionally rapid rates of change on Earth. An ‘Anthropocene Equation’, where the natural forces tend to zero and the anthropic forces becomes comparable to them or even superior, represented this new regime. One of the consequences of the antropogenic changes is global warming. The geographers have decided, until now, not be part of this discussion. Nevertheless, the gravity of the situation demands another attitude from geographers, to help avoids an environmental and societal global catastrophe. This paper presents reflections about these situations, having as methodology the analysis of material that discusses the theme.