The Anthropocene epoch: scientists declare dawn of human-influenced age | Science | The Guardian

"Experts say human impact on Earth so profound that Holocene must give way to epoch defined by nuclear tests, plastic pollution and domesticated chicken"

Source: The Anthropocene epoch: scientists declare dawn of human-influenced age | Science | The Guardian

This, together with its sister article by Martin Rees The Anthropocene epoch could inaugurate even more marvellous eras of evolution ,are well worth a read, and highlight something quite monumental. It is based on well known facts of course, and not news in that way. But when the effects of our development can be noted on a geological scale. No, can control geological scale. That does lend a new perspective.

Since reading Fuller a few years back I've been thinking of our planet in terms of Space Ship Earth , though he did not coin that term of course. Not only in a metaphorical sense, but in a real one. In one of the Guardian articles I found a quote by Prof Chris Rapley of UCL that resonated with the thoughts I've had

"Since the planet is our life support system – we are essentially the crew of a largish spaceship – interference with its functioning at this level and on this scale is highly significant. If you or I were crew on a smaller spacecraft, it would be unthinkable to interfere with the systems that provide us with air, water, fodder and climate control. "

I have also been thinking about why the idea of earth as a space ship seems to be such a huge problem to some people. My working theory is that it is a question of control, of wanting to project ones will on events. In any case, I hope to return to that line of thought at some point. In the meanwhile I do recommend the articles.