Mathematics and the Anthropocene equation: Comment on Gaffney O and Steffen W (2017) The Anthropocene equation. The Anthropocene Review 4:53-61

Abstract

A recent paper in The Anthropocene Review introduces an ‘Anthropocene equation’, which is assumed to model the Anthropocene. While welcoming mathematical treatment as such, we criticize the specific approach for being sloppy, wrong and empty. While the use of mathematics in the criticized paper suggests a high level of scientific rigor, it actually weakens the message rather than strengthens it.