Issue I

The term ‘anthroposphere’ refers to all aspects of human presence on earth. It encompasses all spheres of activity, from industry to communication systems, technology to transportation, settlements to software. When we were asked to start a new publication dedicated to climate change, we realised ‘anthroposphere’ expresses our vision and more. No matter of background or nationality, climate change is an issue that affects the life of everyone on the planet. This review is a unique opportunity to bring together the ideas of students from a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, giving them a voice on one of the defining issues of our generation.

Our experience as editors this term mirrors this: Anthroposphere, Oxford’s new Climate Review, is a product of Shannon’s in-depth climate knowledge together with Sofia’s editorial experience and artistic vision. The first issue is focused on overcoming boundaries, combining our skills to make a truly interdisciplinary publication over five sections - media, policy, practice, perspectives, and book reviews. We aim to bridge the gap between students who are able to pursue climate change issues in their studies and those who are not, a platform for sharing different types of outlooks on a universal issue. Our contributors consist of a spread of undergraduates, masters students, and PhD candidates, as well as alumni, including a postdoctoral research assistant, a composer, and an artist.

Throughout this issue, we have grouped our articles loosely by theme with the goal that they will build on each other, providing context and comparison. The ways screenwriting techniques can be applied to create galvanising narratives on climate change is explored by Joshua Ettinger in ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, while later, in the Perspectives section, Alexa Waud critically discusses the issues with using loaded warlike terminology in the realm of international relations. In Policy, Peter Watson’s explanation of the science behind attributing extreme weather events to climate change prefaces Rupert Stuart-Smith’s discussion of linking these events to corporations and their responsibility in loss and damage compensation. With content ranging from book reviews, to the potential of using blockchain technology for environmental protection (‘Blockchain against Climate Change’), to Brie Noel Taylor’s environmental paintings, we have faith that there is something in this issue of Anthroposphere for everyone.

We are incredibly proud to present to you the first issue of Anthroposphere, and we hope this exciting new platform for student journalism, research, and activism is something that will ultimately transcend ages, interests, and disciplines.

Get Issue I in print here

All proceeds go towards printing, designing and maintaining our publication, and your contributions will help keep our climate journalism interdisciplinary and accessible for all.