Geologic limitations on a comprehensive Anthropocene

Abstract

Following its advent as a concept, the Anthropocene has flourished as a new worldview in academic and public communities alike. Yet, the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy recently voted against formally ratifying the Anthropocene as an Epoch, pointing to the restrictive geologic framework, and highlighting the need for a globally represented and synchronous marker. In this Viewpoint, we utilize global bibliographic data, Google search data, IPCC authors, and the Global Climate Risk Index (GCRI) to examine the global diversity of the Anthropocene discourse by measuring academic interest and public engagement in the topic, while also considering the proportional influence, justice, and inclusivity of this discourse. We argue that the conceptual and geological frameworks of the Anthropocene share a complex and non-translatable relationship. Further, we urge reconsideration of geologically rigid definitions in the spirit of recognizing holistic identification of human impacts to the Earth System, while also addressing the gaps in global influence with this pressing concept. Last, we explore successful examples integrating disparate disciplinary perspectives to achieve greater understanding of the Anthropocene and discuss avenues for future directions in the areas of human-environment interactions, as well as environmental justice and equity.