Anthromes Paradigm for the Biosphere

Anthromes Paradigm for the Biosphere

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Integrating Human Systems into Ecology & Earth Science

Human systems have emerged as a force of nature rivalling the climatic and geologic forces in shaping the terrestrial biosphere and its processes.

Anthromes offer a new way forward for Ecology and Earth Science in the Anthropocene

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The Classic Paradigm Natural systems with humans disturbing them
Biosphere shaped primarily by biophysical systems. Human influences characterized as a single dimension of "impact", "dominance", "footprint", or "appropriation". Sustainable management of the biosphere is based on minimizing human influences.
The Anthromes Paradigm Human systems, with natural systems embedded within them
Most of the biosphere reshaped by human systems. Human systems are primary shapers of ecosystem form, process and biodiveristy. Humans create and sustain a diverse spectrum of anthropogenic ecosystems, or anthromes. Planetary stewardship based on humans as permanent managers of the biosphere.