Human activity, predominantly the global economic system, is now the prime driver of change in the Earth System — the sum of our planet's interacting physical, chemical, biological and human processes. This is the conclusion made visible in a set of 24 global indicators, or a "planetary dashboard”, charting the "Great Acceleration" in human activity from the start of the industrial revolution in 1750 to 2010, and the subsequent changes in the Earth System – e.g. greenhouse gas levels, ocean acidification, deforestation and biodiversity deterioration. The post-1950 acceleration of the human imprint on the Earth System, particularly the 12 graphs that show changes in Earth System structure and functioning, have played a central role in the discussion around the formalisation of the Anthropocene as the next epoch in Earth history.
Source: Anthropocene Review, 2015.
Carbon Dioxide Nitrous Oxide Methane Stratospheric Ozone Surface Temperature Ocean Acidification Marine Fish Capture Shrimp Aquaculture Coastal Nitrogen Tropical Forest Lost Domesticated Land Terrestrial Biosphere Degradation
World Population Real GDP Foreign Direct Investment Primary Energy Source Large DAMS Water Use Fertilizer Consumption Paper Production Urban Population Transportation Telecommunications International Tourism