Anthropocene

[ an-thruh-puh-seen, an-throp-uh‐ ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a proposed epoch of the Quarternary Period, occurring in the present time, since mid-20th century, when human activity began to effect significant environmental consequences, specifically on ecosystems and climate.

noun

1. the Anthropocene Epoch.

Anthropocene

/ ænˈθrɒpəˌsiːn /

noun

1. the Anthropocene
   a proposed term for the present geological epoch (from the time of the Industrial Revolution onwards), during which humanity has begun to have a significant impact on the environment

Word History and Origins

Origin of Anthropocene¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; anthropo- ( def ) + -cene ( def ); coined in the early 1980s by Eugene F. Stoermer, U.S. biologist (1934–2012), and brought into general use by Paul J. Crutzen ( def ), who coined the word independently. Stoermer and Crutzen collaborated in an article published in 2000 proposing Anthropocene for the current geological epoch

Word History and Origins

Origin of Anthropocene¹

C21: from anthropo- and -cene , coined by Paul Crutzen (born 1933), Nobel-winning Dutch chemist

Example Sentences

An international team of researchers and artists published its findings in Nature Communications Earth & Environment -- recording how photographs taken as part of the 'Air of the Anthropocene' project had stimulated discussion around the impact of air pollution.

From Science Daily

"Air of the Anthropocene creates spaces and places for discussion about air pollution, using art as a proxy to communicate and create dialogues about the issues associated with air pollution," added Professor Pope.

From Science Daily

The Air of the Anthropocene project has exhibited at gallery shows in Los Angeles, Belfast, and Birmingham.

From Science Daily

Alongside washed-up Coke bottles and cigarette butts, the Anthropocene’s most ubiquitous emblem might be roadkill.

From Slate

Published in the journal Nature, "Sister cities for the Anthropocene" by professors Cymene Howe and Dominic Boyer explores the connectivity of "sister cities," broad-based, long-term, legal or social partnerships between two similar-sized communities in two countries.

From Science Daily