Very few people know the definition of the term “Anthropocene”. It is a description of a certain era.
Anthropocene: This is the meaning behind the term
The German language contains many different technical terms, the meanings of which are often only known to people who work in this field or are particularly knowledgeable about it. This also includes the term “Anthropocene”.
- The term “Anthropocene” comes from ancient Greek. The ancient Greek terms “ánthropos” and “kainós” can be translated as “human” and “new”. Over time, these terms evolved into the term “Anthropocene.”
- In 2000, the biologist Eugene F. Stoermer and the atmospheric engineer and Nobel Prize winner Paul J. Crutzen introduced the term into the environmental debate. They used the term to describe the influence of humans on climate change.
- Nowadays the term is used to describe an era. The term describes the era 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 described as “The Age of Man”.
- The term “Anthropocene” is usually used to describe various demands placed on humans in relation to the future of the earth. The term not only describes the era itself, but also the responsibility of people within this period of time.