anthropocene
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Defining Anthropocene's start proves challenging
Geologists debate the official start of the Anthropocene, a term describing human impact on the planet, amidst scientific disagreement on its epoch or event classification.
In short:
- The Anthropocene's start date is disputed among scientists, with proposals ranging from early farming to the mid-20th century.
- A recent vote against formalizing the Anthropocene's start as a specific epoch has sparked discussions, not dismissing the concept but questioning its classification.
- Evidence includes nuclear fallout and microplastics, indicating profound human impacts on Earth's geology and atmosphere.
Key quote:
"We will continue to argue the case that the evidence for the Anthropocene as an epoch should be formalised."
— Colin Waters, chair of the Anthropocene Working Group
Why this matters:
Understanding the Anthropocene's start is important for framing humanity's environmental legacy and shaping policies to mitigate ongoing and future impacts on health and the environment. For further reading on straining planetary boundaries: The planet’s largest ecosystems could collapse faster than we thought.
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Crawford Lake in Canada marks beginning of ‘Anthropocene,’ scientists say
Scientists say Crawford Lake holds the best evidence for humanity’s overwhelming impact on the Earth -- and should be the 'golden spike' for a new geologic epoch.
Humans' impact on the earth began a new epoch in the 1950s called the Anthropocene begins Crawford Lake 1950's, scientists say
Humans have etched their impact on the Earth with such strength and permanence since the middle of the 20th century that scientists says a new geologic epoch began then.
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Are we in the Anthropocene? Why Canada's Crawford Lake may hold answers
Canada's Crawford Lake may hold evidence that humans have fundamentally changed Earth enough to have started the Anthropocene, a new chapter in geologic time.
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More frequent dust storms could be in our future
A combination of climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices could lead to Dust Bowl–like conditions.
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A golden spike would mark the Earth’s next epoch: But where?
Before the Anthropocene can be officially proclaimed, a scientific working group must select a single site that permanently captures the new human-influenced epoch. Nine candidate sites — from California to China to Antarctica — are under consideration, with a decision expected soon.
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