Anthropozäns

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch dating from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems, including, but not limited to, anthropogenic climate change. The term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen and ecologist Eugene Stoermer in 2000. While not yet formally ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy, it is widely discussed and studied within the scientific community.

Evidence for the Anthropocene includes widespread environmental changes such as accelerated rates of extinction, widespread deforestation, the alteration of landscapes through agriculture and urbanization, and the significant modification of atmospheric and oceanic chemistry. The accumulation of novel materials like concrete, plastics, and aluminum, as well as radioactive isotopes from nuclear testing, are also considered potential markers for this epoch.

The precise start date of the Anthropocene is a subject of ongoing debate. Proposed markers range from the advent of agriculture thousands of years ago to the Industrial Revolution or the mid-20th century "Great Acceleration" of population growth, economic activity, and technological development, often associated with the mid-20th century nuclear bomb testing. The selection of a formal start date is crucial for its recognition as a distinct geological epoch. The concept of the Anthropocene highlights the profound and lasting influence of human activities on the planet's systems.