The Anthropocene is the idea that human activity is now so impactful and widespread, it shows up as a distinct phase in the geological record. This is a scary proposition in many ways, but it’s also an opportunity. True sustainability isn’t possible without humanity being able to understand and manage our interactions with the planet (and each other). Perhaps a new name for the modern era helps us get into that frame of mind.

Last month’s most popular posts, which run the gamut from population dynamics and climate change to natural resource management and food riots, are a great sample of how much is being done to illuminate the dark places:

1. ‘At the Desert’s Edge’ Gives a Glimpse of China’s Massive Desertification Challenge, Luan “Jonathan” Dong

2. Are We Keeping up With Asia’s Urbanization? Steven Gale

3. Challenging Patriarchy: The Changing Definition of Women’s Empowerment, Donald Borenstein

4. Youth Bulge, Exclusionary Regimes, and the Islamic State’s Big Mistake, Jack A. Goldstone

5. Conflict and Climate Change Collide in Assam as Trafficking Thrives, Priyali Sur

6. Why Has the Demographic Transition Stalled in Sub-Saharan Africa? Elizabeth Leahy Madsen

7. Report: Damming of Lake Turkana Could Leave Thousands Without Water, Provoke Tribal Conflict, Linnea Bennett

8. Water Wars? Think Again: Conflict Over Freshwater Structural Rather Than Strategic, Cameron Harrington

9. What Can Governments Do About Falling Birth Rates? Paris Achenbach and Moses Jackson

10. In Food Riots, Researchers Find a Divide Between Democracies and Autocracies, Cullen Hendrix