The ‘Anthropocene’ is most useful as an informal concept

The Anthropocene as an epoch is distinct from all other concepts known by this term: a reply to Swindles et al. (2023)

“…As Swindles et al (2023) suggest, future changes to the Earth System may indeed lead to a period‐rank (or greater) transition rather than the epoch rank proposed by the AWG, given current rates of change. However, recognition of this would be eased, not hindered, by formal recognition of an Anthropocene epoch justified by our present assessment that the Earth System state has decisively exceeded Holocene norms but not yet those of the Quaternary (Waters et al, 2016).…”

“…We also emphasise that an evidence‐based approach in defining the Anthropocene strongly argues for its formal definition as a geological epoch with an onset in the mid‐20th century. As members of the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG), the body charged with investigating the Anthropocene as a new unit of geological time, we offer alternative perspectives to key assertions made by Swindles et al (2023). In the interest of brevity, we quote each assertion, followed by our view.…”

“…Introducing the Anthropocene as an epoch now would not limit future options, but instead yield the many immediate benefits of formalisation. Furthermore, Swindles et al (2023) wonder ‘ how can the Anthropocene be defined … with only two thirds of the information (past and present) ’ and no agreement on its future. But units of the geological time scale are defined only by their base, and the top of the Holocene is presently undefined.…”

“…

Swindles et al (2023) correctly point out that there are many conceptions of the 'Anthropocene' in use, and they argue that this flexibility in terminology is desirable. We agree that the multiple uses of this term have stimulated much scholarly debate, but we contend that precision in terminology is far more desirable than vagueness, and promotes more productive communication.

…”

Invite the Human(ities) to the Anthropocene

“…As such, they have recently narrowed down potential candidate sites to 12 locations showcasing distinct stratigraphic markers associated with a mid‐century sedimentary shift (Waters & Turner, 2022). On the other hand, authors such as Gibbard et al (2022) are arguing in favour of the Anthropocene being considered an event rather than an epoch, with Swindles, Roland and Ruffell (2023) recently submitting a correspondence piece supporting the same notion. What is noteworthy is that while some of the rationales behind this suggestion fit nicely within the domain of geology, others are distinctly interdisciplinary.…”