Page 79 - BB_Textbook

Discuss
1. The author’s main point about 2° Celsius is: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 2. His argument about 565 gigatons is: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 3. And his conclusion about 2,795 gigatons is: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
“The Anthropocene Epoch”
BENDING BAMBOO
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Anthropocene Epoch
Anthropocene is a geologic term that refers to the present age or epoch (-cene) during which human (anthropo-) activity has been the main influence on the global climate and local environments. Anthropogenic refers to the resulting events that are caused (-genic) by humans (anthropo-). If humans are the main stakeholders who have created our environmental conditions, then there are tasks and norms that we must undertake to live more sustainably and resiliently.
VOCABULARY
Anthropocene Epoch Anthropogenic calamity disruption embankments pipes sewers shocks stresses unmitigated utilities
Through the Cần Thơ Resiliency Office
(“CRO”), colleagues from across the city,
province, and world study how the climate of Cần Thơ and
the Mekong Delta is changing. How do these changes affect people, infrastructure (roads, pipes, sewers, buildings, embankments, utilities), and the city’s overall resilience? The CRO planners summarize these changes as shocks and stresses.
Shocks are one-time events that cause calamity – an injury, disaster, or serious disruption. They include fires, earthquakes, drought, typhoons, and floods. By contrast, stress is a problem that recurs day after day. They put pressure on people and infrastructure. They cause people to feel tired ... even hopeless or fearful. Stresses can include shortages of food, water, or energy. Or
they may be unreliable transportation systems, noise, unemployment, violence, and unmitigated pollution.