SURVIVING THE ANTROPOCENE : A ROGER TAYLOR PERSPECTIVE
The Monday night presentation, the last one for the Rotary Year 2025, was done by one of our members, Roger Taylor, who is passionate about all things involving the environment. It was an intense one, which was deadly serious in its intent.
Jill opened the presentation at the beginning of the evening with a definition of the word "antropocene", meaning the length of time which humans have had on impact on the Earth.
Roger began by showing a video by the late Dr Will Stefan, who explained all aspects of the Antropocene era.
Dr Stefan described what he regarded as the degradation of the Arctic Sea and the way humans have changed the different cycles on Earth. Dr Stefan made us aware of the self-awareness that humans are changing the planet.
Roger asked the essential questions - can population on Earth disperse and rebuild? What changes are happening to species diversity? He summarised more essential problems. He raised the belief that the planet continues to warm. He also emphasised the lack of policy and decision-making which political leaders display.
The question session was lively and confronting, in many respects. Doug responded to Roger that a more balanced view of the world was required. Ken added another perspective, that when managing change, it should be acknowledged that people have the potential to change. It was, in many respects, a thoughtful discussion which prompted more questions than answers.