Anthropocene: A simple explanation of the definition

The definition of the term “Anthropocene” is known only by a few. It is a circumscription of a particular era.

Anthropocene: This is the meaning behind the term

The German language contains many different technical terms whose meanings are often only known to people who work in or are particularly familiar with that field. The term “Anthropocene” is one of them.

• The term “Anthropocene” comes from ancient Greek. The ancient Greek words “ánthropos” and “kainós” can be translated as “human” and “new”. Over time, the expression “Anthropocene” developed from these terms.

• In 2000, biologist Eugene F. Stoermer and atmospheric chemist and Nobel Prize winner Paul J. Crutzen introduced the term into the environmental debate. They used it to describe the influence of humans on climate change.

• Nowadays, the term is used to describe an epoch. The expression describes the age in which humans are the most important factor influencing the various geological, biological and atmospheric processes of the earth system. The term can also be paraphrased as “the age of man”.

• The term “Anthropocene” is usually used to describe various demands placed on humans with regard to the future of the earth. The term thus not only describes the age itself, but also the responsibility of humans within this period.