Anthropocene

[ an-thruh-puh-seen, an-throp-uh‐ ]

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.

noun

1. the Anthropocene Epoch.

Anthropocene

/ ænˈθrɒpəˌsiːn /

noun

1. the Anthropocene
   the Anthropocene 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Anthropocene¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Anthropocene¹

C21: from anthropo- and -cene , coined by Paul Crutzen (born 1933), Nobel-winning Dutch chemist

Example Sentences

Now we, Californians of the Anthropocene, need to grow up, take responsibility and stop expecting to be saved.

From ProPublica

It’s unclear when the Anthropocene began and whether its roots extend back to the Stone Age.

From Science News

If the Anthropocene is a distinct new epoch, it’s also not clear when it began.

From Science News For Students

More About Anthropocene

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.

Where does Anthropocene come from?

Anthropocene comes from anthropo- (borrowed from Greek and meaning “human”) and the combining form -cene (from the Greek kainós for “new” or “recent”). Anthropocene follows the naming pattern of previous epochs named by English geologist Charles Lyell, such as Holocene and Miocene.

Anthropocene was introduced by biologist Eugene Stoermer in the 1980s. Later, the chemist Paul Crutzen coined the word independently, and the two collaborated on an article published in 2000 that popularized the term.

According to current scientific consensus, the current epoch is the Holocene. It is said to have begun at the end of the last major ice age, about 10,000 years ago. A growing number of scientists propose that the Anthropocene should succeed the Holocene, citing evidence that human activity has begun to produce significant environmental consequences, specifically on ecosystems and climate. Some scientists mark the beginning of the Anthropocene as 1950, while others set its start as the Industrial Revolution, around the mid-1700s.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for Anthropocene?

• human epoch

What are some words that share a root or word element with Anthropocene?

• anthropology
• anthropomorphize
• misanthrope
• Holocene
• Miocene
• Pliocene

What are some words that often get used in discussing Anthropocene?

• geology
• epoch
• climate
• environment
• mass extinction
• strata

How is Anthropocene used in real life?

Although not an official term, Anthropocene is often used to emphasize the severity of the climate crisis.

Natural shells, plastic shells. Can you tell which is which?
All found on Cornish beaches.
Beachcombing in the Anthropocene. #plasticage #plasticheritage pic.twitter.com/WOxKFrw2Yp

— Lego Lost At Sea (@LegoLostAtSea) December 7, 2019

2030 might be the new deadline for those anxious about climate collapse. But the world has ended many times before: in 1526, 1607, 1622, 1945… By framing the Anthropocene entirely as a matter of future apocalypse, we lose sight of its lingering legacies of colonial devastation.

— Bayo Akomolafe (@BayoAkomolafe) December 11, 2019

Plastic wrapped bananas. #anthropocene pic.twitter.com/Q6zdgkE65q

— Gabrielle Hecht (@GabrielleHecht) December 11, 2019

Anthropocene was featured as the Word of the Day!

Quiz yourself!

True or False: Anthropocene was adopted as the official name for the current geological epoch in 1950.