The Point of Intersection Between the Anthrosphere and the Bisophere

Many people are aware of the different spheres within the earth system, but what about the relationships between them and how they affect everything on Earth? Because this blog is about shark finning, I will be focusing specifically on the point of intersection between the anthrosphere and the biosphere. The anthrosphere, all human affected parts of the Earth, is not a particularly well known sphere as it is a relatively new concept compared to the biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere. Scientists argue that the anthrosphere is considered a sphere of its own because the impact of humans on Earth is too apparent to neglect. Especially when dealing with the effects humans are making on the biosphere, all living organisms inhabited parts of the Earth, much attention to the connection between the two is needed.

Source: Environmental Chemistry, 6th Edition. Copyright Lewis Publishers, an imprint of CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida©

So let us talk about shark finning as an example of the what happens when the two spheres intersect with each other. Sharks are predators of the ocean at the top of the food chain preying on other organisms. However, they are becoming the prey as humans interfere with their lives by constantly shark finning. According to scientists, over 100 million sharks die from the hands of humans for their shark fins. The massive numbers are driving the shark population to extinction through cruel meals disrupting the biosphere. The disruption in the biosphere also results in the disruption in the anthrosphere. Humans consume shark fins through shark finning resulting in the exposure to neurotoxins such as BMAA and mercury causing neurodegenerative diseases. The very act of shark finning results in overall negative consequences for both sharks and humans. Yes, people may be earning a huge sum of money from the shark trade industry, but the consumption factor is still present. Humans kill sharks for their shark fins, but shark fins at the same time are slowly harming humans as well. 

Is there a reason why all the spheres have an effect on each other? Yes! It is because the earth system is dynamic meaning a change in one sphere results in a change in all the others. Dynamism is how the Earth works in order to maintain itself.