Challenging the Anthropocene Epoch: Geologists Question Human Impact on Earth
Geologists push back on the idea of declaring an Anthropocene epoch, questioning the extent of human influence on the planet despite popular belief. Learn why experts in the geological sciences are hesitant to define this new era based on human impact.
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Scientists have decided not to move forward with the idea of naming a new geological epoch, known as the Anthropocene, which would highlight the significant impact of human actions on the Earth.
Members of the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy, part of the International Union of Geological Sciences, rejected the proposal, as confirmed by three voting members contacted by CNN on Tuesday.
The decision came after a 15-year process to choose a geological site that showcases humanity's impact on the planet. The Anthropocene Working Group of the international union, leading the initiative, announced in July 2023 that Crawford Lake in Ontario was the selected location. This decision was based on the sediment in the lake bed, which reveals geochemical traces of nuclear bomb tests, particularly plutonium from 1950.
Kim Cohen, an assistant professor of geosciences at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a voting member of the subcommission, mentioned that the vote was not unanimous. She stated that there were some abstainees, with a minority voting yes and a majority voting no. However, Cohen herself voted in favor of the proposal.
Phil Gibbard, a professor emeritus of quaternary paleoenvironments at the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, also a voting member of the subcommission, shared that the proposal for a formal Anthropocene was rejected with a 66% vote.
The geologic time scale is the official framework for understanding Earth's 4.5 billion-year history. Geologists divide the planet's history into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. An eon is the largest unit of time, while an age is the shortest.
While many scientists acknowledge the significant influence humans have had on the planet, there is a split within the geological community regarding whether these changes warrant being labeled as a new epoch. Some believe it is premature, considering the vast timescales involved in geological processes.
Certain experts propose that the onset of the Anthropocene could be pinpointed by different criteria, like the commencement of the Industrial Revolution. Alternatively, some argue that the human impact on Earth should be viewed as a slow, ongoing geological phenomenon rather than a distinct event with a specific starting point.
A 3D model of a short section of the stonewall.
A 3D model of a short section of the stonewall.
P. Hoy, University of Rostock, model created using Agisoft Metashape by J. Auer, LAKD M-V
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Scientists have determined that the Stone Age megastructure found submerged in the Baltic Sea was not created by nature. Colin Waters, the chair of the AWG, expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the vote to include the Anthropocene in Earth's geological history.
"We have a group of distinguished researchers who are passionate about advocating for the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as an epoch. They aim to continue their efforts in an informal capacity, based on the scientific data presented in the submission," shared Waters, an honorary professor at the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology, and the Environment, in an email.
"If the vote mentioned above is confirmed, the current proposal will not move forward. However, considering the increasing evidence available, there may be a future request for a reconsideration of the proposal," he added.
The term 'Anthropocene' is commonly used. David Harper, a professor emeritus of paleontology at Durham University and the chair of the International Committee of Stratigraphy, mentioned that the proposal will not progress further at this point. If the subcommission had approved it, the International Committee of Stratigraphy would have voted on the proposal.
David C. Catling
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The committee is a member of the International Union of Geological Sciences, which includes over 1 million geoscientists globally.
According to Harper, who communicated via email, the committee is the expert group for this specific geological time period and is required to adhere to its decisions. He mentioned that the current proposal will not be taken any further based on the organization's rules. Harper also noted that he has not received official confirmation of the decision and will not provide any additional comments.
Cohen mentioned that there were various arguments in favor and against the proposal discussed by the subcommission over six weeks. He chose not to provide more specific details. Despite not being officially recognized as a geological epoch yet, the term Anthropocene is already commonly used, according to Cohen.
He pointed out that the term is already prevalent in discussions. Many people in journals utilize it, although it is not as widely embraced in geology compared to other scientific fields.
Editor's P/S:
The rejection of the Anthropocene as a formal geological epoch is a thought-provoking decision. While it highlights the complexity and diverse perspectives within the scientific community, it also raises concerns about acknowledging the profound impact of human activities on the planet. The evidence presented in Crawford Lake's sediment layers undeniably showcases the significant changes that have occurred in Earth's history due to human actions.
The hesitation to recognize the Anthropocene as an epoch may stem from the perception that geological processes operate on vast timescales, and the changes brought about by human activities may not yet be fully understood or quantified. However, the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and the need to acknowledge human responsibility in shaping the planet's future should not be overlooked. It is crucial to continue scientific research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to better comprehend the complex relationship between human actions and Earth's systems.
