An epoch is a period on the geological time scale which is reflective of the standard stratigraphic division of the earth’s rock layers. Meaning that each stratigraphic division represents a unique period characterized by a major event and these divisions are used to calibrate the linear time of the occurrence of event. The current epoch, the Holocene began approximately 11650 years ago after the global deglaciation event.

Although the modern humans, Homo sapiens have existed since the late Pleistocene about 100,000 years ago in Africa, their hunter gatherer way of life had impact negligible on the environment. It is not until recently when human development accelerated with many technological breakthroughs. However, there is a price to pay for advancement, the climate is also degrading at a breakneck speed due to men’s exploitation of resources. 

Click here for the next segment where I will be going through human activities that brought about the most damage to the environment.

Header credits: Photo by Darryl Brian on Unsplash