The Ruddiman Hypothesis: A Debated Theory Progresses Along Interdisciplinary Lines
By Rich Blaustein - 24 February 2021
Scientist William Ruddiman is the lead proponent of the Early Anthropocene Hypothesis, which asserts pre-industrial land clearing and agricultural practices caused the release of historically underappreciated amounts of greenhouse gases, transforming the Earth. While Ruddiman’s hypothesis has engendered debate, a recent interglacial-ice age study and interdisciplinary archaeological investigations add nuanced support to Ruddiman’s effort and illuminate how humans have impacted the biosphere over thousands of years. In an interesting twist to this debate, these recent land clearing studies offer a clarifying, long-term context for natural solutions for the climate crises by highlighting the Earth’s regrowth potential.