Are we officially entering a new geological epoch defined by humans?

Q&A - The Anthropocene - with Jan Zalasiewicz and Christian Schwägerl · 36:37 · Video: The Royal Institution · Watch at the source

In short: This discussion explores the transition from the Holocene to the Anthropocene. It examines the scale of human impact on the planet and the scientific criteria required to define a new era in Earth's history.

Palaeobiologist Jan Zalasiewicz and journalist Christian Schwägerl discuss the pivotal shift where human actions began to actively shape nature. The conversation addresses the boundaries of this change, questioning whether human influence extends beyond Earth to places like the moon or Mars.

The dialogue serves as a deep dive into the innovations and fears surrounding our role in planetary history. It highlights the transition between geological times and the ongoing debate over what constitutes a permanent enough change to be classified as a formal epoch.

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