Throughout the years, with the evolution of the human race on Earth, we have radically changed our planet by “anthropizing” most ecosystems, changing the chemical composition of the atmosphere and of the oceans, deviating river flows, transforming the land surface and erecting buildings in every part of the world.
The events that have changed our planet and our relationship with nature are, primarily, those associated with the first industrial revolution, at the end of the 18th century which led to the excessive combustion of coal, later crude oil and gas, and the development of several industries, such as the iron and steel industry, and the invention of various machines, such as the steam engine. The second industrial revolution, at the end of the 19th century also played a part in this with the use of chemicals, such as plastic, and new inventions, such as the internal combustion engine, the car, the incandescent lamp and the dynamo. Last but not least, the third industrial revolution, from the end of the 20th century until today has led to the invention of nuclear energy and new technologies, such as the television, the computer and the mobile phone.
The incredible and ever growing world population plus the increasingly powerful technologies have intensified our impact on the environment. The continuous changes of planet Earth made by mankind have brought about phenomena such as global warming, climate change, shifts in climatic zones, alterations of ecosystems and of the hydrological cycle and changes in ocean circulation. In short, we have now altered all natural elements.
