The Anthropocene as an epoch is distinct from all other concepts known by this term: a reply to Swindles et al. (2023)
Martin J. Head, Colin N. Waters, Jan Zalasiewicz, Anthony D. Barnosky, Simon Turner, Alejandro Cearreta, Reinhold Leinfelder, Francine M.G. McCarthy, Daniel D. Richter, Neil L. Rose, Yoshiki Saito, Davor Vidas, Michael Wagreich, Yongming Han, Colin Summerhayes, Mark Williams, Jens Zinke
Abstract
Swindles et al. (2023) correctly point out that there are many conceptions of the 'Anthropocene' in use, and they argue that this flexibility in terminology is desirable.We agree that the multiple uses of this term have stimulated much scholarly debate, but we contend that precision in terminology is far more desirable than vagueness, and promotes more productive communication.We also emphasise that an evidence-based approach in defining the Anthropocene strongly argues for its formal definition as a geological epoch with an onset in the mid-20th century.As members of the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG), the body charged with investigating the Anthropocene as a new unit of geological time, we offer alternative perspectives to key assertions made by Swindles et al. (2023).In the interest of brevity, we quote each assertion, followed by our view.