Lupine Publishers | Living in the Anthropocene
Lupine Publishers | Journal of Anthropological and Archaeological Sciences
Introduction
The Anthropocene is the proposed geological epoch where humans have
changed some of Earth’s systems. There are many debates surrounding the
Anthropocene from if it is a new geological epoch, if it is a new epoch
when did it begin and the distinction between nature and human made [1].
Cities have had a major environmental impact across the world, shaping
the physical geological environment and could be considered monuments of
the Anthropocene. During the Anthropocene, humans have shifted from
nomadic and rural lifestyles towards hunting in the big city. Rapidly
increasing city populations has placed further pressure on the
environment and according to Davis [2], the urban population at the time
of his work was 3.2 billion. Davis [2], predicts that cities will
account for all future world population growth, which is expected to
peak at 10 billion people in 2050. As this growth continues, we will see
the rise of megacities (population of 8 million) and hyperscities
(population of 20 million). Shanghai’s population could rise to as many
as 27 million people and Davis [2] begins question whether such large
populations are biologically or ecologically sustainable. Across the
world we are beginning to see a green architecture movement aiming to
lessen the impact cities
are having on the environment. Green architecture is an example of
cultural niche construction in modern urban environments. Laland and
O’Brien [3] argue that human niche construction through modifying the
environment there is the creation of artefacts and ecologically
inherited resources that not only place pressure on gene selection but
also facilitate learning and mediate cultural traditions. In
demonstrating this argument Laland and O’Brien [3] use the example of
the construction of urban spaces such as villages and towns, which
present new health hazards such as the spread of epidemics. Humans can
respond to these selective pressures through cultural evolution
constructing hospitals and developing medications. Each city presents
its own set of challenges when considering green architecture, which
include ecological, economic and cultural challenges. The aim here is to
investigate the relationship between human and non-human in green urban
environments. Macquarie University in Sydney makes a good field for this
project as there are numerous examples of green spaces such as the
library that have used green architecture, a variety of themed gardens,
manmade water features and large quantities of plant life amongst a
range of buildings located in the hub of Macquarie Park.
Read more about this article: https://lupinepublishers.com/anthropological-and-archaeological-sciences/fulltext/living-in-the-anthropocene.ID.000108.php
Comments
Post a Comment