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PMID: 25762280 Published · ppublish English Historical Article Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Defining the anthropocene.

Nature ·Vol. 519 ·No. 7542 ·2015-03-12 ·Pages 171-80

Lewis SL, Maslin MA

Abstract

Time is divided by geologists according to marked shifts in Earth's state. Recent global environmental changes suggest that Earth may have entered a new human-dominated geological epoch, the Anthropocene. Here we review the historical genesis of the idea and assess anthropogenic signatures in the geological record against the formal requirements for the recognition of a new epoch. The evidence suggests that of the various proposed dates two do appear to conform to the criteria to mark the beginning of the Anthropocene: 1610 and 1964. The formal establishment of an Anthropocene Epoch would mark a fundamental change in the relationship between humans and the Earth system.

MeSH Terms
Agriculture/history Atmosphere/chemistry Carbon Dioxide/analysis Chronology as Topic Environment Geology/methods History, 15th Century History, 16th Century History, 17th Century History, 18th Century History, 19th Century History, 20th Century History, 21st Century Human Activities/history Industry/history Population Dynamics Time Factors
Chemicals
Carbon Dioxide
Authors & Affiliations
2 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Lewis Simon L
1] Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK [2] School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
Maslin Mark A
Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Article Info
Journal
Nature
Abbr.
Nature
ISSN
1476-4687
DOI
10.1038/nature14258
Published
2015-03-12
Pages
171-80
Language
English
Region
England
NLM ID
0410462
Subset
IM
Corrections
CommentIn
PMID: 25903617
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1038/nature14258 View journal details
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