The Anthropocene: Conservation in a Human-Dominated Nature

Abstract

Many scientists today argue for designating the present age as a new geologic epoch -- the Anthropocene --characterized by unprecedented current effects of humans on climate, land use, and geologic processes. Today less than 25% of the Earth's ice-free surface is uninhabited (``wild'') landscape. The rest is either densely occupied or highly modified by humans. Such anthropogenic biomes or ``anthromes'' may themselves be home to ``novel ecosystems'' containing species assemblages never previously observed. Urban areas represent the most novel anthromes of all, yet may be sites where the future of biodiversity conservation is determined. Today conservationists must help create a ``responsible Anthropocene'' where human influence is more beneficent toward nature, not only to prevent extinction of species but the extinction of experience between humans and nature.