New start date for the Anthropocene proposed – when humans first changed global methane levels
Ice cores provide important evidence as archival records of global atmospheric composition that has constantly changed.
June 19, 2025 • ~8 min
Ice cores provide important evidence as archival records of global atmospheric composition that has constantly changed.
We should consider what our society is doing to the planet not just during our individual lifespans but over the long term.
Such massive disruptions have in the past been caused by volcanoes or meteorites. Only humans have done this with full awareness of their actions.
Scientists Jan Zalasiewica and Erle Ellis on the recent decision to reject a proposal for a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.
Scientists have been debating the start of the Anthropocene Epoch for 15 years. I was part of those discussions, and I agree with the vote rejecting it.
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