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The Anthropocene: conceptual and historical perspectives
Will Steffen1, Jacques Grinevald, Paul Crutzen
1Climate Change Institute, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. will.steffen@anu.edu.au
Summary
Humanity
Area of Science:
- Earth System Science
- Geology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Global environmental changes driven by human activity are significant, rivaling natural forces.
- The term Anthropocene, though informal, is increasingly used in global change research.
- Formal geological recognition of the Anthropocene as a distinct epoch is pending.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.
- To propose the Industrial Revolution (circa 1800) as a suitable start date for the Anthropocene.
- To examine contemporary trends and human-Earth system interactions in the 21st century.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical environmental impact data.
- Analysis of the term's informal adoption in scientific literature.
- Exploration of current human-environment relationships and climate system management proposals.
Main Results:
- The human impact on Earth systems is comparable to major natural forces.
- The Industrial Revolution marks a logical starting point for the Anthropocene epoch.
- Significant shifts in human-biosphere interactions and climate management strategies are evident.
Conclusions:
- Formal geological recognition of the Anthropocene is scientifically warranted.
- The proposed start date of 1800 aligns with significant global environmental shifts.
- Understanding and managing the Anthropocene requires addressing human impacts on Earth's geophysical cycles.
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