Anthropocene

American  

[an-thruh-puh-seen, an-throp-uh‐] / ˈæn θrə pəˌsin, ænˈθrɒp ə‐ /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a proposed epoch of the Quarternary Period, occurring in the present time, since mid-20th century, when human activity began to effect significant environmental consequences, specifically on ecosystems and climate.

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noun

1. the Anthropocene Epoch.

Anthropocene British  

/ ænˈθrɒpəˌsiːn /

noun

1. a proposed term for the present geological epoch (from the time of the Industrial Revolution onwards), during which humanity has begun to have a significant impact on the environment

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Usage

What does Anthropocene mean? The Anthropocene, or Anthropocene Epoch, is a proposed name for the geological epoch that we’re currently living in. The name is intended to indicate that human actions have had a significant and lasting impact on the environment since the Industrial Revolution. Anthropocene is proposed as the name of the epoch that would succeed the official current epoch, the Holocene. Anthropocene has not been adopted by scientific consensus, but the term is frequently used in both scientific and popular contexts, especially when discussing climate change. Example: No discussion about the Anthropocene is complete without examining the role of fossil fuels in changes to our climate and ecosystems.

Etymology

Origin of Anthropocene

First recorded in 1995–2000; anthropo- ( def. ) + -cene ( def. ); coined in the early 1980s by Eugene F. Stoermer, U.S. biologist (1934–2012), and brought into general use by Paul J. Crutzen ( def. ), who coined the word independently. Stoermer and Crutzen collaborated in an article published in 2000 proposing Anthropocene for the current geological epoch

Compare meaning

How does anthropocene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Holocene vs. Anthropocene

Example Sentences

Dr. Hanna Pettersson of the University of York's Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity explained how the program differed from traditional compensation systems.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

Who knows whether we’re at the head or tail of the Anthropocene, but the movie seems weary of our dominion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

Nelson's project takes its name from the term Anthropocene - the current geological epoch where human activity has become the dominant force shaping the Earth's environment.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025

He is a former head of the Anthropocene Working Group, which has been pushing for the declaration of a new geological age, the Anthropocene, in which humans have become the most powerful force reshaping Earth.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2024

At the same time, even Ellis acknowledges that the concept of an Anthropocene is useful for scientists, even if it should not be formalized as a geological epoch.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2024