Chapter 1: The Transition to the Anthropocene

The Holocene has concluded, and we now enter the Anthropocene, a period defined by human influence.

Carl Sandburg's words resonate deeply:

I am here when cities are gone.

I am here before the cities come.

I nourished the lonely men on horses.

I will keep the laughing men who ride iron.

This epoch's designation is credited to Paul Crutzen, a Nobel laureate who proposed that:

"The stratigraphic scale required an additional age to indicate that humanity has emerged as a force of significant geological impact. Following the Pleistocene, which marked the start of the Quaternary 2.5 million years ago, and the Holocene, which began 11,500 years ago, it appears fitting to label the current era as the 'Anthropocene,' highlighting its human-centric characteristics."

Our universe, 13.8 billion years old, places us in the Phanerozoic Eon, currently within the Cenozoic Era. As we navigate through the Quaternary Period, we find ourselves in the Holocene Epoch, the last 11,550 years of this timeline—a complex layering of time that reveals our transient existence.

Humanity has altered the planet to such an extent that our actions need to be recorded within the geological time scale—signifying our presence with the term "Anthropocene." The challenge is to contextualize our brief centuries against vast eons. While we perceive time in millennia, it seems inevitable that our understanding of it must evolve. We are confronted with pressing global issues, and the trauma of our current reality begs for an acknowledgment of our chaotic legacy.

In "The Shock of the Anthropocene," Bonneuil & Fressoz guide us in this search for a fitting label for our crisis, emphasizing the need for scientific agreement. This new era is not yet codified; alternatives such as "Phagocene" or "Capitalocene" could easily take its place. Regardless of the terminology, we must grapple with age-old inquiries: Is it ethical to bring new life into this world? Are we witnessing the dawn of our demise?

Section 1.1: The Anthropocene's Implications

This essay may echo apocalyptic narratives, yet it is essential to reflect on the ramifications of our actions. We may have instigated a mass extinction event.

In this discussion, I will review critiques and insights from French thinkers regarding the Anthropocene concept. As with any emerging idea, the Anthropocene is fraught with potential misuse and misinterpretation.

The echoes of our actions resonate across epochs. History alone is insufficient to gauge our influence and its repercussions. In this regard, the Anthropocene is crucial, as it offers a practical truth—rooted in stratigraphy—about how history should be studied.

Human impact must be quantified, ideally in terawatts, a measurement of vast energy like volcanic eruptions or tectonic movements. Acknowledging this premise—that humanity occupies a significant position in the planet's Natural History—reveals our reliance on plastic as a metaphorical smoking gun.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Weight of Plastic

To further navigate the complexities of time, I explored essays by Bruno Latour, whose interdisciplinary approach has garnered both acclaim and critique. His insights align with those of Bonneuil & Fressoz, suggesting that despite repeated warnings, humanity's decline began on June 16, 1945.

Latour posits that:

"Charles Fourier identified 'a decline in the health of the globe.' The root of this malaise lies in individualism, which has contributed to deforestation and resource depletion."

The arguments presented in "The Shock of the Anthropocene" are hard to dispute; past generations have lamented the same catastrophes, emphasizing the perpetual threats we face. The radioactive traces from atomic detonations serve as a clear marker that can be recognized globally.

Chapter 2: The Global North's Impact

Pleistocene & Holocene Epochs | GEO GIRL - YouTube

This video delves into the transitions between the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs, providing valuable context for understanding the Anthropocene's origins.

The Holocene Era - YouTube

In this second video, the complexities of the Holocene era are explored, highlighting its significance in the broader narrative of Earth's history.

The relentless pursuit of resources by the Global North has placed numerous species at risk. To prevent further environmental degradation, a swift decoupling of harmful economic activities from ecological impact is essential. While some nations have managed to reduce emissions while growing their economies, achieving this on a global scale remains unlikely in the immediate future.