Check out my piece for the Daily Cal!
In early March, a team of scientists rejected the motion to designate the start of a new geological epoch, coined under the term “Anthropocene” to highlight the epoch we are currently living in as one marked by humans’ profound impact on Earth.
This decision has sparked concern, especially in the ongoing discourse surrounding climate change. How do we characterize our current times as a geological epoch — marked by a warming planet, ocean acidification and species extinction — we find ourselves in? And more importantly, what roles can we, students, play in this pivotal conversation about our planet’s future?
Epochs serve as the grand narratives that tell the story of our planet’s evolution. They delineate chapters of geological time, marking profound shifts in landscapes, climates and life itself. They also help us understand unique intervals of Earth’s history, and they are defined by significant changes in geological deposits, such as fossil or geochemical signals.
Academic infighting is nothing new, but the weighty term “Anthropocene,” or “Age of Humans,” carries profound implications. It suggests not just our presence but our dominance and capacity to shape the very fabric of the Earth. Leaving the Holocene, which represents the last 11,700 years of the Earth’s history, for the Anthropocene, marked by extensive human influence on the planet — which scientific evidence shows we have undoubtedly done — means we’ve set the planet on an entirely new trajectory compared to anything that has come before.
Some researchers argue for the starting point of this new epoch to be around 1950, coinciding with the rapid acceleration of industrialization and its resulting environmental impacts. Others propose earlier dates, tracing human influence back to the dawn of agriculture or the colonial era. Researchers who compose the Anthropocene Working Group have sought out compelling geological evidence from around the globe that would definitively mark the transition from the Holocene to the Anthropocene.
Their efforts led them to explore sites such as Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, where the sediment records unmistakably reflect the impacts of human activity — from nuclear fallout to fossil fuel emissions. However, for a new epoch to be officially designated, evidence for it must be globally synchronous: it must appear all over the Earth at the same time in the geological record. Determining the precise onset of the Anthropocene therefore remains highly contested.
Nethertheless, we should not depend on formal designation to confirm that we have created — and are now living in — an environment that’s becoming increasingly unstable. The decision to reject the term “Anthropocene” highlights the inherent subjectivity involved in such a categorization, especially since geological time scales operate on vastly different ones than human history. The panel’s decision also highlights the political dimensions of defining geological epochs, as these classifications shape not only scientific discourse but also public understanding and societal responses to environmental challenges.
Regardless of the official designation of the geological epoch, climate change and environmental degradation are real. The rejection of the Anthropocene does not negate the fact that our human activities have led to widespread ecological damage. From deforestation to increasing carbon emissions, our actions have far-reaching consequences on biodiversity, ecosystems and, ultimately, our own well-being.
We should therefore not interpret the rejection of the Anthropocene as a dismissal of our impact on the planet but rather as a reminder of the complexities involved in interpreting geological evidence and defining epochs.
For us students, who are the future custodians of the planet, this debate should serve as a call to action rather than a reason for complacency. Meaningful action starts with a shift in mindset and a recognition that we are not passive observers of the unfolding environmental crisis but rather active participants with the power to effect change. It’s about reimagining our relationship with the natural world and moving away from a paradigm of exploitation and domination toward one of harmony and reciprocity.
We have a duty to lead, design and implement more sustainable initiatives. Whether it’s through grassroots activism, startups or academic research, we can leverage our skills and talents to make a tangible difference in the world. For instance, we could advocate for policy reforms that prioritize environmental protection and social justice, support sustainable practices and organizations and engage in meaningful dialogue with our peers and communities about this urgent need for change.
Most importantly, meaningful action requires us to cultivate a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It starts with recognizing that while the challenges we face may seem insurmountable, human ingenuity and collective action know no bounds. It’s also about drawing inspiration from the countless individuals and communities around the world who are already leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
Whether or not we officially entered a new geological epoch, the rejection of the Anthropocene is not the end of the climate fight but rather its beginning. We should view it as an opportunity to redouble our efforts and push for bold, transformative change. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that the fate of our planet lies in our hands and that the time to act is now, more than ever.
Meiya Gujjalu 
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