Human Environmental Pollution Changed the Geological Era... Official Review of 'Anthropocene' Formalization

The Geological Era Marking Humanity's Significant Impact on Earth
Influences of Mid-20th Century Nuclear Weapons, Plastics, and Fertilizer Use

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] The official recognition of the "Anthropocene," a geological epoch caused by humanity, is expected to be decided soon. The Anthropocene is an unofficial concept that suggests a separate geological epoch after humanity, based on the view that humans have had a significant impact on the Earth's soil, oceans, and atmosphere.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 17th (local time), the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) entered the internal voting phase to determine detailed aspects such as the starting point of the Anthropocene. The AWG is a research group of about 30 experts from various countries who believe that the mid-20th century marks "a period when humans clearly and relatively rapidly changed the Earth's environment" and that the Anthropocene should be included in geology.

The current geological epoch is the "Holocene," which refers to the warm period following the last ice age about 10,000 years ago. Earth's 4.6 billion-year history is divided into hierarchical units starting from the largest time scale, eon, followed by era, period, epoch, and age. Currently, we are in the "Phanerozoic Eon, Cenozoic Era, Quaternary Period, Holocene Epoch, Meghalayan Age."

Earlier this month, the AWG reportedly voted on whether to classify the Anthropocene as an "epoch" like the Holocene or as an "age" within the Holocene. They also voted on which geological sample site should define the characteristics of the Anthropocene, choosing from nine candidates including peatlands in Poland, glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula, and bays along the coast of Japan.

The term Anthropocene became an international buzzword when Dutch atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen stated at an international environmental conference in 2000, "We are no longer living in the Holocene but in the Anthropocene." Although not an officially adopted academic term, various discussions have progressed based on the argument that environmental changes caused by humans could leave geological traces on Earth. Nitrogen from fertilizers used in human food production is being diverted. Plastic waste used by humans is widely dispersed from the deep sea to polar regions, and the ratio of carbon isotopes has changed due to fossil fuel use. Consequently, observable strata are expected to form for future generations.

The most contentious issue in the official recognition of the Anthropocene is its starting point. The AWG previously agreed, with 29 out of 34 members in favor, to set the beginning of the Anthropocene in the mid-20th century. This marks the point when human environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions rapidly increased, and materials from nuclear explosions, fertilizers, and power plants began leaving traces on Earth. AWG Chair Colin Waters said, "If it had been the 1920s, people would have thought 'nature is too vast for humans to impact,' but that perspective was completely overturned last century," adding, "An event as shocking as an asteroid impact occurred."

However, some argue that since the period of human flourishing is very short in Earth's history and not marked by a specific event, it is premature to designate the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch. Philip Gibbard, a geologist at the University of Cambridge, pointed out, "There are many gaps in Earth's geological record," comparing it to "a jigsaw puzzle with many missing pieces." He also emphasized, "The fact that most changes occurred gradually is also problematic." Additionally, some critics argue that the official recognition of the Anthropocene serves a political purpose emphasizing "human-caused destruction of the Earth."

The results of the AWG's votes and future voting details will not be disclosed until the final recommendation is completed. Once all internal votes are concluded around next spring, the AWG will submit the recommendation to three geological committees to decide whether to officially recognize the Anthropocene. If more than 60% of each committee approves, the Anthropocene will be recognized as one of the geological epochs; otherwise, it is expected to be difficult to register for several years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.