Geological times scales mark geological strata to time, and show the relationships of events that occur during Earth’s time. I would accept adding the Anthropocene to the geological calendar, because there have been relationships to Earth’s changing climate in correlation to human activities. We have altered the physical world to create man-made materials, farming, deforestation, and carbon dioxide emissions (Kolbert, p. 2-4). In Steffen et al.’s article, they focused on those carbon dioxide emissions spiking from as early as the industrial revolution – and use that as the driving factor that exemplifies the Anthropocene (p. 614). In Malm’s article, the focus is again fossil fuels plus the epoch of capital and its effects on the unequal distribution of the fossil fuels with the kind of society we have come to in current times (p. 5). With the science and opinions behind these readings, I, again, would accept that the Anthropocene be added to the geological calendar. We are a smart species that have entered a scale where we control the planet, and natural causes no longer control us. With that being said, it is still a scale, and there is still a relationship.
“Culturally polarized democracies are less likely to adopt policies that reflect the best available scientific evidence on matters — such as climate change — that profoundly affect their common interests” (Kahan). I think that is what Kahan’s final point is about the social well-being of the stance of climate change, and denying it or accepting it. This effects our ability to remediate climate change because with polarized societies on what to do about it hinders growth. We can’t be polarized about this anymore if we want change. That’s why I loved Cathy Whitlock’s approach – she went to various groups of all backgrounds and fields, explained to them what her report finalized, and asked them “what do you want to see change? How can we make this easier for you?” I think it was a very encouraging, holistic approach that included important groups of Montanans that will be affected by climate change the most. So, my idea would be to take that approach; look at the specific ways a certain group would be affected by this change and run that point home. When it’s personal, I think people tend to care more.