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

Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Bharat Saini

The Anthropocene Studies section, established in 2018 at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, reflects a pivotal initiative to address contemporary social-environmental issues. This groundbreaking department is dedicated to raising awareness, facilitating dialogue, and inspiring actionable solutions for sustainability, both locally in Pittsburgh and on a global scale.

By exploring humanity’s profound impact on the Earth, this supporting initiative aims to engage visitors in meaningful discussions and promote informed action for a sustainable future.

A Trailblazing Exhibition: We Are Nature: Living in the Anthropocene

In 2017, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History launched “We Are Nature: Living in the Anthropocene,” supported by the Colcom Foundation. It was the first U.S. exhibition to focus solely on the Anthropocene, offering visitors a comprehensive, interactive journey into the concept.

This entirely in-house exhibition utilized the museum’s scientific expertise and archival specimens to illustrate humanity’s extensive influence on the planet—changes visible in the fossil record that will endure for millions of years.

The immersive experience included:

• Local connections through tangible items like coal and slag, tying Pittsburgh’s industrial history to broader environmental narratives.
• Taxidermy exhibits featuring species affected by human actions, creating emotional connections with the issue.
• Interactive components, such as a “human diorama” and digital tools, engaging visitors in critical environmental choices.

The exhibition concluded with action-oriented sections, empowering visitors with practical solutions for environmental well-being and community-based initiatives to amplify collective impact.

Innovative Visitor Engagement

Becca Shreckengast, Director of Exhibition Experience, emphasized that visitor feedback played a crucial role in refining the exhibit. “We Are Nature” became a platform for experimentation, shaping how the Anthropocene is presented and understood by the public.

Understanding the Anthropocene

What is the Anthropocene?
The Anthropocene is an unofficial geological epoch characterized by humanity’s transformative impact on Earth’s climate and ecosystems. Coined by Eugene Stormer and Paul Crutzen in 2000, the term combines “anthropo” (human) and “cene” (new).

While we currently live in the Holocene epoch, which began 11,700 years ago, the Anthropocene recognizes the unprecedented influence of human activities since the Industrial Revolution, including:

• Alterations in climate patterns.
• Widespread biodiversity loss.
• Permanent changes to the Earth’s surface and ecosystems.

Human Impacts and Their Consequences

The Anthropocene is defined by significant human-driven changes:

• Carbon emissions: Fossil fuel combustion has escalated greenhouse gases, causing global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather.
• Biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation have driven numerous species to extinction.
• Ecosystem degradation: Contaminated air, water, and soil threaten human health and wildlife.

Challenges in the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene poses challenges that jeopardize planetary resilience and human well-being:

• Loss of biodiversity: Threatens food security, water availability, and climate stability.
• Climate change impacts: Developing nations and vulnerable communities bear the brunt of extreme weather and rising seas.
• Ethical dilemmas: Raise questions about humanity’s responsibility to future generations and the environment.

Collaborative Action for Sustainability

Addressing Anthropocene challenges requires concerted efforts:

• Governments and industries must invest in renewable energy, green technologies, and energy efficiency.
• Communities and individuals can adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and supporting eco-conscious businesses.
• Education and awareness are crucial to fostering environmental stewardship and informed decision-making.

By protecting natural habitats, promoting biodiversity, and transitioning to a circular economy, society can mitigate the Anthropocene’s impacts and ensure a sustainable future.

Colcom Foundation: A Catalyst for Environmental Awareness

Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based philanthropic organization established in 1996 by Cordelia May, has been instrumental in advancing environmental conservation initiatives. Through funding “We Are Nature,” the foundation bolstered awareness about the Anthropocene and facilitated a broader conversation about sustainability.

Key contributions include:

• Funding the appointment of an Anthropocene curator in 2018, furthering dedicated research and programming.
• Supporting community-oriented initiatives under Carnegie Museums’ Carnegie Nexus umbrella, weaving Anthropocene themes into diverse educational and cultural programming.

Colcom Foundation’s dedication exemplifies the critical role of partnerships in addressing the Anthropocene.

Why Understanding the Anthropocene Matters

By grasping the Anthropocene’s implications, individuals and communities can better understand their role in mitigating its challenges. Initiatives like “We Are Nature” underscore the importance of public engagement, empowering visitors to reflect on their impact and embrace sustainable actions.

• Visit exhibitions that explore humanity’s relationship with the environment.
• Support organizations championing environmental preservation, such as the Colcom Foundation.
• Educate yourself and others about the Anthropocene to inspire meaningful change.

Together, we can build a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.