Science Friday How Empire and Environmental Destruction Go Hand-In-Hand
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Dec 16, 2024 
Dr. Sunil Amrith, a historian at Yale and author of 'The Burning Earth: A History,' dives deep into the links between empire, environmental destruction, and migration over 800 years. He reveals how foundational human conflicts have historically fueled ecological harm, starting as far back as the Mongol Empire. The discussion also highlights the urgent need for peace in climate action and showcases inspiring youth activism driving sustainable practices today. Examining these intertwined crises offers crucial lessons for our future.
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Early Environmental Transformation
- The climate crisis can be traced back further than the Industrial Revolution.
- The Mongol Empire's vast trade and resource exploitation significantly impacted the environment.
Separation from Nature
- The climate crisis is rooted in the idea of humanity's separation from nature.
- This idea, fueled by technological advancements and increased life expectancy, led to a disregard for natural limits.
WWI's Impact
- World War I, a global conflict, significantly accelerated environmental transformation.
- The war's dependence on petroleum and other resources marked a turning point in human impact on the planet.
