The Anthropocene Era Quiz

Study Notes

Almost every sector of industry is contributing to climate and ecological breakdown.
The separation of humans from nature in Western culture can be traced to the rise of Judeo-Christian values 2000 years ago.
This separation laid the foundations of modern anthropocentrism, framing humans as separate from and superior to the nonhuman world.
French philosopher René Descartes framed the world as split between the realm of mind and inert matter, with humans as superior.
These attitudes cause environmental crises, legitimising the subjugation of social groups associated with nature.
However, humans are entangled with the natural world, and the fates of humanity and nature are intertwined.
Indigenous belief systems and Eastern philosophies portray nonhumans as intrinsically valuable.
Practices such as nature journaling in early primary school can cultivate wonder and connection to the natural world.
To bring about fundamental change in worldviews, we need to start young.
Governments and corporations must recognise their control over the natural systems they exploit and the destabilisation of the global climate system.