The Evolving Concept of the Anthropocene: A Reply to Zalasiewicz et al.

The claim that the Anthropocene is de facto a new epoch is disputed, along with the suggestion that Earth system transformation from one state to another can be pinned down to a single year. The epoch proposal was formally rejected in 2024 but, crucially, that was not a rejection of the Anthropocene itself. As the material event of human-induced planetary transformation continues to unfold at increasing rates all about us, research into the Anthropocene is as vital and relevant as ever. It is important to realize, however, that the concept of the Anthropocene is evolving. The long-standing assumption that it must be a time interval, and must therefore be accorded a precisely-defined date of start, is being called into question. The interdisciplinary field of Anthropocene research is straining to break free from the confines of rigid definitions and the imposition of an isochronous timeline to mark the supposed start, which cuts out vast amounts of relevant pre-1952 evidence from consideration. A broader, more flexible and less exclusive definition of the Anthropocene is in order. In this reply we respond to criticisms by epoch proponents and further outline the Anthropocene as an unfolding event of major significance in Earth history.