Climate Change and the Individual, 2025-26
Document Type
Lesson Plan
Publication Date
Spring 5-2025
Abstract
For most of human history, climate has shaped our lives, while our influence on it remained minimal. However, the notion that early humans had no measurable impact on the climate before industrialization is inaccurate. Early in human history, activities – such as the rise of agriculture, the growth of civilizations, periods of conflict, and pandemics – altered greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. These changes contributed to significant periods of climate change long before the burning of fossil fuels set us on the path to today’s global climate crisis.
Recommended Citation
Wittmer Malinowski, Jacalyn M., "The Human Legacy: Agriculture, Civilizations, Strife, and Pandemics Changing our Climate" (2025). Climate Change and the Individual, 2025-26. 1.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/ideas-that-matter-25-26/1
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Geology Commons, Other Anthropology Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Other Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons, Other Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Paleobiology Commons, Paleontology Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, Sustainability Commons