Humans have affected the Earth’s environment so much that a new geological epoch has begun, according to a group of scientists presenting Monday at the International Geological Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. The working group tasked International Commission on Stratigraphy with investigating the new epoch has determined that the “Anthropocene,” began in the mid-20th century, ending the 11,700-year-old Holocene Epoch.
The question of adoption of the working group’s recommendation to recognize the Anthropocene falls to the International Commission on Stratigraphy. Until it has been adopted, the Anthropocene is not an officially recognized epoch.
Factors defining the Anthropocene include the introduction of radioactive elements to the Earth’s chemistry due to nuclear bomb tests, plastic pollution, and air pollution from energy generation and industry.
