LANGUAGE of the Anthropocene
Lessons in anthropogenic impact: a knowledge network of geological signals to unite and assess global evidence of the Anthropocene (LANGUAGE).
As a new geochronological epoch, the Anthropocene redefines the human relationship to the planet in ecological terms with consequences that are historical, social and ethical.
The Anthropocene is powerful concept associated with unprecedented global change. Both recognising and managing this novel situation in a sustainable way requires a planetary network accompanied by a knowledge framework.
This project aims to engage new ideas and networks in the development of the Anthropocene concept, by cooperating globally with scientists, especially those in developing and least developed countries. The core aims are to unite and assess global evidence of the Anthropocene, and to establish the Anthropocene as a fertile framework for future geosciences. This will be achieved by:
- Developing a global network of experts and project partners
- Designing and running workshops in developing countries
- Establishing an open database of existing information and expertise on the Anthropocene
Key information
Project Leader
University of Vienna
Highlights
Open Lecture series
The lecture series “Aspects of the Anthropocene” hosted by the University of Vienna (March-June 2022) was a cooperation between the IGCP 732 project team, the University of Vienna, the Vienna Anthropocene Network and the Forum Anthropocene.
Bringing together the humanities and the sciences, IGCP 732 project leaders presented new perspectives on nature, culture, society and technology. This included talks by Michael Wagreich and Veronika Koukal, who presented on the topic of the Anthropocene in the context of research and outreach activities (popular lectures, exhibitions). Their presentation was in partnership with Styrian Eisenwurzen UNESCO Global Geopark in Austria, on the occasion of the geopark's 20th anniversary.
International guest lecturers presented their research to students and the public. Due to the online format the lecture series was open to anyone, for free. Topics included sustainability and SDGs, social-ecological themes, East Africa, and science communication in relation to the Anthropocene. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion. Recordings are available to the general public.
PANGEO Austria conference
In September 2022, Veronika Koukal and Michael Wagreich from the project team introduced and presented: "An Introduction to the UNESCO International Geoscience Programme IGCP 732”. Michael Wagreich gave an oral presentation on "Stratigraphy of the Anthropocene".
Anthropocene Forensics
"Markers – Material Delineations of the Present. Reading the ashes"
Workshop at the "Haus der Kulturen der Welt" (House of World Cultures), Berlin, Germany.
From microplastics in waters and organisms, to the spread of neobiota in new habitats, and the accumulation of radionuclides from nuclear weapons testing, every anthropogenic marker has a political, technological and ecological history behind it.
Developed from the online publication Anthropogenic Markers, eight sessions in three stages were presented, examining how a particular chemical or biological fingerprint becomes a demarcation for the new geological epoch of the Anthropocene.
Researchers of the Anthropocene Working Group, humanities scholars and artists provided insights into the practice of “Anthropocene forensics.” The talks explored the data analysis methods and dating techniques employed to separate the individual signal from the noise, as well as the laboratory practices that lie behind the chain of evidence for the Anthropocene.
Futures-Oriented Museum Synergies
IGCP 732 participated in the Futures-Oriented Museum Synergies (FORMS) meeting, Futurium, Berlin, in October 2022. They discussed the potential of the "Archaeology of plastics" in museums and discussed the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.
