Preserving Our Planet: Colcom Foundation’s Commitment to Educating on the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene Studies section at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, was established in 2018 as part of a broader initiative to address contemporary social-environmental issues.

This section of the museum plays a pivotal role in organizing research, exhibitions, and educational projects focused on raising awareness, facilitating dialogue, and promoting action for sustainability in both Pittsburgh and the global community. Through its efforts, the museum seeks to shed light on the profound impact of human activities on the environment and inspire positive change for a sustainable future.

In 2017, the museum opened “We Are Nature: Living in the Anthropocene,” with leadership support from Colcom Foundation. The pioneering exhibition was the first of its kind in the United States to center on the concept of the Anthropocene.

Created entirely within the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, with guidance from Colcom Foundation, the interactive exhibition showcased research conducted by the museum’s own scientists and featured specimens from its archival collections.

The Anthropocene exhibit demonstrated how human actions have deeply and extensively shaped the Earth, leaving a lasting imprint in the fossil record that could persist for millions of years.

Through the immersive experience, visitors were empowered to grasp the significance of the Anthropocene on their own terms, gaining a deeper understanding of humanity’s profound impact on the planet.

The exhibition ran for six months and presented a captivating and comprehensive view of the Anthropocene.

As visitors entered, they were introduced to the Anthropocene both as a geological epoch and a cultural concept. The journey continued into a spacious area where compelling evidence of the Anthropocene was presented through tangible items such as coal and slag, connecting to the local industrial history. Additionally, taxidermy birds and mammals affected by human activity contributed to the narrative. The exhibition culminated in spaces carefully crafted to assist visitors in processing newfound knowledge and feeling empowered to take positive actions. This included informative content and practical steps individuals could adopt to contribute to environmental well-being, along with community-oriented initiatives that amplified collective impact.

A dynamic element of “We Are Nature” was the incorporation of interactive exhibits. These included a virtual exploration of the historic Alcohol House and an immersive “human diorama” for visitors to engage with. Visitors were encouraged to actively participate by voting on the next animal species facing potential extinction, sharing their personal responses to the Anthropocene, and contributing their voices to an important discourse on conservation.

Becca Shreckengast, the director of exhibition experience, emphasized the significance of visitor involvement and reactions in shaping the exhibition’s essence. The aim was for “We Are Nature” to serve as an experimental platform for showcasing the Anthropocene. Continuous assessment of visitor feedback was instrumental in refining the conceptual presentation within the gallery.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History wholeheartedly embraced the Anthropocene as a central theme, guiding its multifaceted research endeavors and inspiring vibrant visitor engagement through exhibitions and programming.

This article delves into the concept of the Anthropocene, exploring its implications and challenges and Colcom Foundation’s vital role in supporting initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the Anthropocene.

What is the Anthropocene?

Earth’s history is segmented into various units on the geologic time scale, with eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages representing descending intervals of time.

These divisions are determined by studying Earth’s rock layers, known as strata, and the fossils contained within them, a scientific discipline called stratigraphy.

Presently, the officially recognized epoch is the Holocene, which commenced 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age. However, the Anthropocene Epoch, though unofficial, denotes the recent period in Earth’s history where human activities have significantly impacted the planet’s climate and ecosystems.

Coined by biologist Eugene Stormer and chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, the term Anthropocene stems from the Greek words “anthropo” for “man” and “cene” for “new.”

The Anthropocene is characterized by the recognition that human activities, particularly since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, have caused significant and lasting changes to the Earth’s systems. These changes include alterations to the atmosphere, oceans, land, and biodiversity.

Human Impact on the Planet

The Anthropocene is marked by a multitude of human-driven factors, including carbon emissions, deforestation, habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, and the mass extinction of species. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, has led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in global warming and climate change. This has contributed to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the disruption of ecosystems worldwide.

Urbanization and infrastructure development have encroached on natural habitats, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation for countless species. Additionally, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has contaminated air, water, and soil, threatening both wildlife and human health.

Implications and Challenges

The Anthropocene poses numerous challenges and implications for the planet and its inhabitants. The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems jeopardize the stability and resilience of our environment. This, in turn, affects the availability of clean water, food security, and climate regulation.

The acceleration of climate change and its associated consequences, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns, pose significant threats to human societies, particularly vulnerable communities in developing countries.

The Anthropocene also raises ethical questions about humanity’s responsibility towards the environment and future generations. It calls for a reassessment of our values, consumption patterns, and the need for sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.

Taking Action in the Anthropocene

Addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene requires collective action at local, national, and global levels. Governments, industries, communities, and individuals must collaborate to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and adopt sustainable practices.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources, investing in green technologies, and promoting energy efficiency are crucial steps toward reducing carbon emissions. Protecting and restoring natural habitats and implementing sustainable agricultural practices can safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Education and awareness play an essential role in fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Encouraging environmentally conscious choices, from reducing single-use plastics to supporting eco-friendly businesses, can collectively make a difference.

Colcom Foundation’s Contribution To Understanding the Anthropocene

With the “We Are Nature” exhibit, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Colcom Foundation fostered awareness, understanding, and dialogue about the Anthropocene’s significance and urgency.

The museum appointed a dedicated Anthropocene curator in January 2018, further solidifying its commitment to exploring this pervasive theme.

The exploration of the Anthropocene extended beyond geological interpretation; it became a pervasive motif across Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, permeating various programming and the overarching Carnegie Nexus initiative.

Colcom Foundation is an influential philanthropic organization deeply rooted in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996 by the esteemed philanthropist Cordelia May, the Foundation has garnered widespread recognition for its unwavering dedication to environmental conservation.

Through funding and support, the Foundation has played a crucial role in empowering organizations and initiatives working towards mitigating the effects of human activity on the environment.

Colcom Foundation’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability aligns seamlessly with the urgency of the Anthropocene.

By championing research, education, and community-driven efforts, Colcom Foundation actively contributes to the collective endeavor to secure a viable and flourishing future for our planet.

While our world grapples with the realities of the Anthropocene, the significance of collaborative efforts cannot be overstated. It is only through unified action and the support and long-term commitment of organizations such as Colcom Foundation that we can address the challenges of this era and forge a path toward a more sustainable and resilient planet.