This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Mark Maslin, Professor of Geography at University College London. The conversation explores Prof. Maslin’s research on the Anthropocene which according to his definition began when human impacts on the planet irrevocably started to change the course of the Earth’s biological and geographical trajectory, leading to climate change, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and more. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, On Being A Superpower , and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Becoming A Geographer - A serendipitous journey II. The Anthropocene - Exploring three starting dates III. What We Know - Ice ages, snowballs and hockey sticks IV. Unchecked Opinion - Examining beliefs V. Planetary Perspectives - Which type of Anthropocene do we want? VI. Becoming Social - Investigating a watershed moment About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books): Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.