The truth about the Anthropocene

In 1873, Antonio Stoppani proposed the idea that we had entered into a new era he called the Anthropozoic, which was characterised by the influence of human activity on the Earth and its imprint on geological records. However, his idea was rejected and it was not until 140 years later that his proposal became established, this time not as an era but as an age: the Anthropocene. This term is currently in the process of being debated by the International Commission on Stratigraphy for its possible approval as a formal age on the geological timescale. Even so, it has already become a commonly used term within scientific spheres and in many other academic and social activities. The aim of this lecture is to present the historical development of the idea, its current situation with regards to its formalisation and the possible implications and consequences that its approval would have for the geological timescale.

With the collaboration

                   

Cycle: SCIENCE ON MONDAY how human beings are transforming the earth: the Anthropocene Age - I

Organized by: Residencia d'Investigadors