Anthropocene epoch proposal rejected by stratigraphy commission despite scientific support for formal recognition of human impacts
The article discusses the proposal to formally define the "Anthropocene" as a new geological epoch recognizing humanity's impact on the Earth System. Despite initial support, the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) rejected the formalization based on a controversial vote, citing lack of a clear stratigraphic boundary and the extended temporal scope of human impacts. The author argues that defining the Anthropocene from the mid-1900s captures the triphasic nature of human environmental impacts (Late Pleistocene, Holocene, and Anthropocene), providing a formal framework that empowers scientific research and action toward planetary stewardship.
Key quotes
The term 'Anthropocene' was proposed initially just casually, later formally, as a new geological epoch that acknowledges the impact humans now have on the Earth System.
Key reasons indicated are the lack of a clearly defined stratigraphic boundary and the extended temporal extent of humanity's environmental impacts.
Defining an Anthropocene epoch from the mid-1900s allows representing human environmental impacts' triphasic nature within the International Geological Timescale.
Such an epoch captures humanity's current planetary importance, with the Holocene and Late Pleistocene representing earlier phases of intensifying impacts.
This formal framework empowers science and action toward planetary stewardship.
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