We explore the development of the A

We explore the development of the Anthropocene, thecurrent epoch in which humans and our societies havebecome a global geophysical force. The Anthropocenebegan around 1800 with the onset of industrialization, thecentral feature of which was the enormous expansion inthe use of fossil fuels. We use atmospheric carbondioxide concentration as a single, simple indicator to trackthe progression of the Anthropocene. From a preindus-trial value of 270–275 ppm, atmospheric carbon dioxidehad risen to about 310 ppm by 1950. Since then thehuman enterprise has experienced a remarkable explo-sion, the Great Acceleration, with significant consequenc-es for Earth System functioning. Atmospheric CO2concentration has risen from 310 to 380 ppm since1950, with about half of the total rise since the preindus-trial era occurring in just the last 30 years. The GreatAcceleration is reaching criticality. Whatever unfolds, thenext few decades will surely be a tipping point in theevolution of the Anthropocene