This symposium, co-hosted by the Earth System Initiative and the Center for Global Change Science, will describe key moments in the history of Planet Earth. In the first part, key examples of revolutions early in the history of the Earth System such as the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis, the origin of Life and the Cambrian Explosion, will be presented to bring to light the ever evolving nature of the biosphere. In the second part, we will discuss the "Anthropocene", that is, the ways in which humans have fundamentally altered the chemical, physical and biological systems on this planet. Topics may include the impact of our energy portfolio, our changing climate, biodiversity, and other ways that society and industry have intentionally or unintentionally shaped the Earth. The final session will focus on the possible futures of the Earth System.

About the Host - Center for Global Change Science

This MIT World Series is available at http://mitworld.mit.edu/series/view/117