摘要
An epistemological lens on the development of the Anthropocene concept illuminates what have been regarded,but just as importantly what have not been regarded,as pertinent overlapping developments.Such is the intensifying impact of humanity on the Earth since the concept was proposed and became popular,the historical and contemporary dimensions of its significance are unprecedented for what began as a potentially straightforward Geological Timescale addition.The debate about defining the Anthropocene,likely to intensify during 2023 through its four-step review and decision process,has recently expanded beyond a mid-20th century isochronous start of an epoch to include an alternative long-term,diachronous and ongoing event.The approach to an optimal definition is propelled by reminders of breakthrough perspectives linking nature and culture,the frameworks of discourse at four 2022-23 Anthropocene conferences,the advantages of a transdisciplinary approach,and a gearshift in context from the Earth to the Earth System to the Earth-Human System.The limitations of a stratigraphic definition for the Anthropocene and the value of a geologically inspired 21st century renaissance that highlights the pressing need for greater harmony between environmental and societal movements are discussed.Mindful that the United Nations is formulating a strategy for the world beyond its 2015-2030 agenda of Sustainable Development Goals,the‘Anthropocene Event’concept provides a robust platform to understand how human activities have deteriorated the global environment,in turn providing the baseline for a‘Anthropocene Renaissance’with integrated past-present-future approaches by the sciences and humanities.
