ANTHROPOCENE

It is undeniable that humans have become a dominant force on this planet. Therefore
many experts believe that humans have already ushered in a new geological epoch
called the Anthropocene. In the Anthropocene, an exponential rise of human pressures
has taken a toll on the entire Earth system. This phenomenon has led many people to
the concept that humans are the plague of the Earth whereas viruses are the
Vaccination of Mother Nature. However, I partly disagree with this opinion.

Throughout history, we have witnessed the flourish and vanish of numerous species.
However, in the Anthropocene, unlike those past mass extinctions, which were caused
by asteroid strikes, volcanic eruptions, and natural climate shifts, the current crisis
almost entirely stems from us — humans. Humans are considered the apex of apex
predators. We are introducing invasive species to fragile ecosystems, hunting fauna to
extinction, over-exploiting fossil fuels for economic purposes, and pumping tons of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. We dominate
the world and its wilderness then treat nature and animals as our properties instead of
creatures that cohabitate our planet and take it for granted. As a result, contrary to our
thriving civilization, wildlife and nature are put in catastrophic tragedy.

Despite humans' violence against nature, I believe that the idea of human beings
plaguing the Earth touches on the premise of ecofascism, and eradicating humans is
not the answer to the globe restoring itself. Firstly, the burden of environmental
destruction should not be placed equally at the feet of all people. Numerous people
have sacrificed their whole life for the sake of wildlife, millions of children are eager
for tree planting. Neither of them may harm any flower and still be labeled as
environmental culprits equally to capitalist companies which destroy our ecosystem.
Thus, this ecofascism idea places the whole blame on population demographics
instead of addressing concerns of consumerism and the lack of environmental
regulation. Therefore, aiming the ecological rage at the whole of humanity is not only
heartless, but it is also misguided. Secondly, the notion of sterilizing the Earth from
the “human virus” suggests humans and nature as segregated parts, which is not only
ethically problematic but empirically false. Microorganisms in our gut aid digestion,
while others compose part of our skin, photosynthesis organisms such as trees
provide the required oxygen for respiration and absorb the carbon dioxide we expel.
Every living creature is intrinsically linked together. Therefore one extinction can
result in the domino effects that ruin the ecosystem.

Humans can also be the therapy for nature injuries. We have to recognize that humans
are the steward of nature and our impact is game-changing on this planet. Therefore,
every individual should treat Mother nature with high respect and appreciation. Since
every crisis comes with an opportunity, the key question is how to remake our
economy, behavior, and attitude in a way that respects ecological limits and works for
all humanity.

In conclusion, although in the Anthropocene, the dominance of humans has led to

numerous devastating environmental problems. However, under no circumstances, the
advocation of genocide for the sake of the environment should be promoted. We may
be considered as a deadly virus for Mother Nature but we can also be the strongest
vaccine. With radical changes and high respect to the environment, the Anthropocene
can be both a civilized and pure epoch to live.