Anthropogenic data question the concept of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch

Abstract

Anthropogenic indicators have been closely inspected to determine whether they can be used in support of the concept of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch and of its proposed beginning around 1950 CE (Common Era), which is supposed to be marked by intensifications of human activities and impacts around that time. Data show that there were no systematic intensifications in growth trajectories describing anthropogenic indicators but there were decelerations suggesting that anthropogenic forces are not as strong as expected and, consequently, that they are probably not strong enough to have unequivocal stratigraphic manifestations of geological transition. Analysis of anthropogenic data suggests that the Anthropocene is not a new geological epoch.