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