When did humans begin to shape the earth? This is the debate happening among geologists who are determining whether the official timeline of the Earth should have a name for the current period of human domination. The concept of the “anthropocene” or the human era first emerged 15 years ago and a working group of scientists is determining whether to adopt it officially and when it should begin. Listen to learn more about the lively debate that surrounds this decision.
Story Length: 3:54
© 2015 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
AIR DATE: 04/06/2015
March 1, 2015
4:22
When Americans think of earthquakes, they often think of California. However, in the last few years, Oklahoma has become the leader in earthquakes in the continental United States. Some areas in Oklahoma experience two to three earthquakes a day! These quakes are being linked to a modern oil production technique known as hydraulic fracturing. It’s the process used to dispose of wastewater created during the extraction of oil from shale. Listen to learn how communities are responding to the quakes and the oil companies that might be creating them.
Read MoreMay 16, 2014
2:59
Climate change will not only create extreme weather, but scientists have found that areas with more carbon dioxide create less healthy crops. Although these crops are much larger in size, they lack nutrients such as zinc and iron.
Read MoreMay 12, 2014
3:57
A recent report by the U.S. government shows the most definitive evidence so far that climate change is happening and it’s being driven by people. Extreme weather and rising sea levels are just some of the consequences. Communities are trying to build preventative infrastructure, but it is costly.
Read More
