Scientists are thinking about starting a new geological era: the Anthropocene, the period of geological, environmental and biological transformation of the planet by humans. Cities, towns, shipping routes, global roads and air networks are all changing Earth. This video shows the extent of this change.
The new era’s name (anthropo- means human and -cene means new) refers to the effect of humans on Earth ecosystems, including the transformation of terrain and life all around us. This visualisation of Earth-made by anthropologist Felix Pharand-Deschenes-shows this effect. It’s amazing and breathtaking, but also pretty scary. Enjoy it. Or not.