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Evaluating the Anthropocene: is there something useful about a geological epoch of humans?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2016

Todd J. Braje
Todd J. Braje*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182–6040, USA (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

The concept of the Anthropocene has become increasingly prominent in recent years, but is it best defined as a geological period or as part of a longer-term pattern of human actions? And when did it begin? Todd Braje launches this Debate feature by arguing for a shift away from definitions and toward an emphasis on the human causes and consequences. This piece is followed by a series of reactions from geologists and anthropologists, with a concluding reply from the author.

Type
Debate
Information
Antiquity , Volume 90 , Issue 350 , April 2016 , pp. 504 - 512
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd, 2016 

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