The anthroposcene

1. 2nd Experimental Secondary School of Athens
Year:2016-2017
Class:Γ3
THE ANTHROPOCENE
Humankind is responsible for the massive USE of fossil fuels
which has changed the atmosphere and temperature of the
planet. Toxins and plastic are an accumulating problem of the
oceans, land and air,while technology is becoming our second
if not OUR first nature. Discuss!
Kouri Irene , Kotsi Marina
TEACHER: Dertili Dimitra

2. PROLOGUE
• Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil or natural gas, formed from
the remains of dead plants and animals. Fossil fuels are combustible substances
and are burned to obtain usable forms of energy. Let’s discuss what the
advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels are in our everyday life.

3. Main advantages of fossil fuels
• Reliable source of energy
• Readily available
• Can be carried from one place to another
• Are used for various purposes
• http://images.wisegeek.com/small/pumping-diesel-fuel-into-a-car.jpg

4. Common Fossil Fuel Uses
• For transportation (like cars, buses, trains etc.)
• Production of electricity ( like gas heaters)
• Simple things we have at home (like toothpaste, shoes, tires)
• https://www.nmoga.org/what-are-fossil-fuels-used-for

5. Main disadvantages of fossil fuels
• Environmental Pollution:
Carbon dioxide that cars emit while fuels are burnt cause the rising temperatures
of the planet also known as Global Warming. This does not only affect climate
but other things too. Vegetation and Wildlife collapse and social, economic, and
physical health are also in danger.
http://goldenageofgaia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/global-warming.jpeg
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/GlobalWarmingEffects.php

6. Rising Prices:
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is responsible for
40% of the world’s oil production. OPEC controls the volume of oil consumed and
by its own production it maintains its own desired price. This is what causes price
fluctuations.
https://grist.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/energy_price_increase_375-1.jpg
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php

7. Acid Rain:
• When fossil fuels are burnt, sulphur dioxide is released. Sulphur dioxide is what
causes acid rain. This is mainly harmful as it destroys remarkable monuments
made of marbles or brickwork.
http://acidrainawscience.weebly.com/uploads/2/6/7/9/26794501/6949893.gif?531
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php

8. The Effect on Human Health:
• The exhaust from cars can cause air pollution. Air pollution can lead to asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder or lung cancer.
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
http://img.medscape.com/thumbnail_library/dt_150527_lung_cancer_800x600.jpg
http://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/copd.png

9. Non-Renewable:
• Fossil fuels are estimated to be exhausted in the next 30-40 years. It will take
millions of years to replace them and that means that in the near future we won’t
have the chance to use means of transportation.
• http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
• https://aos.iacpublishinglabs.com/question/aq/700px-394px/petroleum-non-renewable-resource_24cb956ce2ad66f7.jpg?domain=cx.aos.ask.com

10. Impact on Aquatic Life by Oil Spill:
• When fossil fuels are transported to other places by ship via sea sometimes this
might lead to an oil spill. That means that the water is polluted because oil
contains some toxic substances which when mixed up with water pose serious
impact on aquatic life.
• http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
• https://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/oyster-harvest-1024x575.jpg

11. Coal Mining:
Areas that have reserves of coal that are mined are dangerous and
pose a threat to people’s health and especially to those who work
there. It also destroys wide areas of land which leads to an ecological
imbalance.
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
https://www.worldcoal.org/sites/default/files/WCA_Bowie_Skyline_01-211-hpr.jpg

12. The Need for Huge Amount of Reserves:
• The coal power plants require more and more amounts of coal to produce energy
on a constant basis. Since we need more, technologies are progressing to get
more out of earth but they don’t seem to do it quickly enough.
• http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/disadvantages_fossilfuels.php
• http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/01/Obama-halts-mine-leases-on-public-lands.jpg

13. Toxins and Plastic
• A toxin is a poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxin
http://www.clker.com/cliparts/c/2/a/b/11954220161423934091h0us3s_Sign_danger_toxic.svg.hi.png

14. • A Plastic is a material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-
synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and can be molded into solid objects.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic
http://cf.ltkcdn.net/greenliving/images/std/85323-425x281-PlasticBottles.jpg
http://susanfreinkel.com/images/plastic.jpg

15. What are the effects of toxins and plastic in our life?
• Plastic litter is taking over our oceans, landfills and can be even inside our food!
It is proven that chemicals that come out of plastics make their way into our
bodies causing a variety of health issues. Some of them are cancer, reproductive
issues, immune system suppression and problems with childhood development.
• http://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/plastic-toxins-are-leaching-into-your-food-and-water/
• http://coastalcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/plastic-pollution-la.jpg
• http://www.banthebagspdx.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/plastic-in-food-chain.jpg

16. Toxic Waste
• Waste can come out of manufacturing, farming, city septic systems, construction,
automotive garages, laboratories, hospitals, and other industries. All waste contains
chemicals, radiation or dangerous pathogens. If it is found in water people and
animals are in big danger.
• http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/toxic-waste/
• https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2016/01/02/Foreign/Images/Italy_Toxic_Dumping-07188-4982.jpg
• http://www.meghantelpner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/blog_wasteWater.jpg

17. • Some hazardous waste is generated by household items and items such us
batteries, used computer equipment, and leftover paints or pesticides.
• http://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/toxic-waste/
• https://az-eandt-live-media.azureedge.net/f/8/b/8/c/3/f8b8c39536de6145a8dda1b1d5b983062cf1fe65.jpg
• http://www.organicauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/paint-ccflcr-robert-s-donovan.jpg

18. Technology
Technology is the collection of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the
production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific
investigation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology
http://www.newsmaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Technology.jpg

19. What are the benefits of technology?
• Technology is built on convenience. It provides us with information anytime we
want.
• Entertainment through media such us YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc.
• Communication with other people all over the world.
• https://www.youtube.com/yt/brand/media/image/YouTube-logo-full_color.png
• https://www.facebook.com/images/fb_icon_325x325.png
• https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aYbdIM1abwyVSUZLDKoE0CDZGRhlkpsaPOg9tNnBktUQYsXflwknnOn2Ge1Yr7rImGk=w300

20. • Great Discoveries In All Industries: New devices show people a more efficient way to
do things. For example education through the internet or lessons through interactive
boards.
• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-technology-advances-12579.html
• https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ac/80/41/ac8041eac1fd18bf5f9b8fd76ab4db3a.jpg

21. What are the disadvantages of technology?
Apart from these advantages of technology we must also bare in mind that there
are some important disadvantages too:
• Dependence: In our days more and more people start to depend on computers
for their work, so as a result they don’t take responsibilities as seriously as they
should.
• http://images.wisegeek.com/desktop-computer-with-mouse.jpg
• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-technology-advances-12579.html

22. •Unemployment:
As people depend on computers, robots and machines to do their job it’s obvious
that unemployment is increasing rapidly. This leads to economical problems as all
the money is spent on new equipment and people don’t get paid enough.
http://www.thebubble.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/dollars-1.jpg
https://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/ai.jpg

23. • Increased loneliness – social isolation
People of all ages use their computer, phone or ipod to surf the Net or play online
games. But as this happens on a daily basis for many hours, they do not
communicate with their family and friends as much as they should because they
spent too much time using those devices.
http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wabe/files/styles/x_large/public/201603/1_BlackMenCode-ReddingRucker_Computer.jpg
http://www.ubiwhere.com/en/news/2015/05/25/technology-advantages-and-disadvantages/#.WLNUu2-LTIU
http://medcitynews.com/wp-content/uploads/bigstock-People-Connect-Across-Gap-Sepa-138947991.jpg

24. World destruction weapons:
• Technology sometimes can be responsible for all the endless wars today. It aids
the manufacturing of war weapons that are able to kill a huge number of people,
so when those weapons get into the hands of people they’re going to use them
for their selfish reasons.
• http://www.useoftechnology.com/modern-technology-advantages-disadvantages/
• http://www.historyrocket.com/images/Civil-War-Weapons.jpg

25. Fossil Fuels, Toxins and plastic are destroying the environment and our world. Nature
loses its power and technology is becoming If not our first, our second nature.. What
can we do about it?
http://aliljoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/technology-662833_640.jpg
http://cdn.publishyourarticles.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/something-is-missing.jpg

26. • Recycle!
• Keep plastic away from the shore!
• Don’t litter the streets!
• https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Recycle001.svg/1024px-Recycle001.svg.png

27. • Find other ways to move in the city! Use your bike or bus in order to reduce the
gas that comes out of cars or motorcycles!
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Capital_Bikeshare_riders_in_Dupont_Circle.jpg

28. • Spend less hours using technology! Go out, talk to people, play or
read books!
http://www.cbc.ca/books/library-books-584.jpg
https://image.freepik.com/free-photo/kids-playing-and-laughing-with-the-carousel_1098-4055.jpg

29. If we all try, we will make the world a
better place!

30. THE END