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Geological organization rules the Anthropocene is not a formal epoch

IUGS rejected declaring that we live in a new epoch defined by far-reaching human impacts on the planet since the 1950s.

Scientists cite Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, as evidence of a new epoch.
Scientists cite Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, as evidence of a new epoch. (AN/)

The scientists who have the final say on our accepted notions of geological time have decided we are not living in a new epoch called the Anthropocene – but it is still a useful concept.

International Union of Geological Sciences' top officials said after a series of internal votes that it has rejected the notion of a new epoch defined by far-reaching human impacts on the planet since the 1950s.

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