We are entering a new dawn, a new era….a new epoch: ‘Anthropocene’

1. We are entering a new dawn, a new era….a new epoch: ‘Anthropocene’ The first time in the history of Earth where the world is not solely shaped by Plate tectonics, atmospheric or terrestrial influences. Now the main influence on the world is humans…..…..and our technology.

2. Will technology fix the world? Keywords: Optimum Population Sustainability Technology

3. Key Background information: • It is a Polynesian island known by locals as ‘Rapa Nui’. • Volcanic Island located in the Pacific Ocean once home to indigenous tribes. • First explored by a European, named Jacob Roggeveen (Dutch) in 1722 on Easter Day. • Island is 66 square miles, at Easter Islands highest point you can see the whole island. • The Island was once covered by 16 million palm trees, some of which were up to 40ft tall. • The Island’s population has changed over the years peaking at between 15,000 in 1550, decreasing to 111 people in 1877, but why?

4. Moai – Who and What are they? • The Moai are statues built for the gods! • Over 200 transported to the edge of the island. • Largest Moai is 72 foot tall • and weighs many tonnes. • Remember the Moai were • built hundreds of years • ago with no electricity, • no machinery and limited technology!

5. Timeline of Easter Island Present day Task: Using the cards, sort them into your own timeline from 750,000BC to present day. It may not always be clear where a card goes, if not put it to the side and come back to it! Now in no more than 250 words write a summary of the societal collapse that took place on Easter Island. EXT: What lessons can be learned? Present day – Island is slowly recovering 1888 – Chile claims Island as part of territory 1877- Island has only 111 people left. 1722 – Dutch Explorer discovers and names Easter Island – only 2-3000 people left 1550 – Island Population peaks: 15,000 people 400 A.D - First Polynesian Tribes arrive on the Island. 750,000 B.C. – Island is created by Volcanic eruption 750,000 B.C.

6. Jared Diamond “How societies choose to fail or survive” Diamond, J. (2005) Collapse: How societies choose to fail or survive. Penguin. London. Pp. 79-120.

7. Summary

8. Malthus, T. (1798) An essay on the principle of population. London Thomas MalthusBritish Demographer (1766 - 1834) The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man. Epidemics, pestilence and plague advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and ten thousands. Should success still be incomplete, gigantic famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow, levels the population with the food of the world.

9. Malthus: A pessimistic view • Wrote “An essay on the principle of population” in 1798. • Strongly believed that in relation to food supply and resources, there was a finite population size. • Believed there would be a decline in the standard of living, and that there would be disease, war and famine if, there was an increase in population beyond the perfect population [optimum population].

10. Why did he think this? - Food supply would increase at best at an arithmetic rate, i.e. 1,2,3,4,5 etc. The reason for this was that the size of a field was finite, and that increasing yields produced could not increase forever. - Human population would grow at a geometric rate, i.e. 1,2,4,8,16 etc. So...population tends to increase faster than the supply of food available for its needs. Malthus felt that at some point, population would exceed any increases in food supply…unless technology can fix this?

11. Ester BoserupDenmark [Agricultural Economist](1910- 1999) Necessity is the mother of invention. Population growth is here regarded as the independent variable which in its turn is a major factor determining agricultural developments. Boserup, E. (1965). The conditions of agricultural growth: the economics of agrarian change under population pressure. London.

12. Boserup: An optimistic view • Wrote “The conditions of agricultural growth: The economics of agrarian change under population pressure” in 1965. • Boserup states that technical, economic and social changes are unlikely to take place unless the community concerned is exposed to the pressure of population growth. – Think of all the technological advancesduring WWII. • Boserup's approach is backed up by examples where an increase in population has caused an agricultural growth, necessitated by the increased demand on resources of a larger population. E.g. - The agricultural advances in growing rice in Asia during the 1960’s and 70’s – (Green Revolution). • GM Foods in the 21st century? – ‘Technological fixes?’

13. Extreme poverty and hunger: Between 2012-2014, 805 million people were reported as being undernourished, a decrease of 210 million since 1990-1992. It has also been recorded that the world already produces enough food to support the world's population. Agriculture, however, has grown heavily dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels and severe overdraw of freshwater reservoirs. • Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (2014). [Online] http://www.fao.org/hunger/en/ [Accessed 16/5/15]

14. What’s your opinion? Which of the two approaches do you agree with the most? Will technology ‘fix’ issues or will humans destroy ourselves? Write your current opinion on a post it note, in no more than 30 words. Then stick it on the Venn diagram on the board in the right place

15. There’s only one way to find out.....! Malthus Boserup