Three Billion Seconds in an Age of Consequence [video]

Dr. Chris Funk, professor of geography at UCSB, Anacapa alumnus and former Anacapa science teacher, challenged Anacapa students to evaluate the significance of the moments of their lives in the context of a changing world. Chris argued that the current age represents a time of opportunity, with an exploding population and unparalleled access to data and information, but also a time of consequence, with consumption rising to match the demands of a growing population. With references to historical ages of transformation, such as the Renaissance, Chris framed his own work studying climate change and its potential impact on droughts and food availability within the context of the current age of transformation. Ultimately, Chris challenged students to “own” the seconds of their lives and appreciate the astounding developments that happen throughout.