Geologists are saying we're living in new times - so new that they're thinking of changing the name of the geological phase in which we live. The notion recognises humans as the driving force behind changes to the planet which is why the new epoch has been dubbed Anthropocene, or the Age of Man.
ENVIRONMENT takes to the high seas on board the TARA, a boat that is sailing across the world’s oceans and seas to examine the effect climate change is having on them and their biodiversity.
In this edition of The Week in the Americas: Barack Obama runs into difficulty with his health-care plans; revelations about a possible role of the US and Brazil in Augusto Pinochet's 1973 coup in Chili; and the Canadian premier visits the Arctic.
The first meeting devoted to the future of the two Poles opens on Monday in Washington. Although not on the official programme, the potential riches of the continental shelf around the North Pole are expected to be at the centre of debates.
A veritable race for resources is currently heating up under the seas. At stake is the right to exploit what lies on the ocean floor - potentially invaluable sources of minerals and energy.
Arctic Ocean 
