A growing number of scientists have proposed the creation of a new epoch in Earth’s geologic history that would reflect the impact of humanity upon the planet. This new epoch, the Anthropocene, is proposed to have begun when humans began to alter the planet in ways that changed our environment on a global scale. There’s been considerable debate, however, as to when that happened. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century might seem an obvious starting point, but new research suggests that the Anthropocene began much earlier — possibly as early as 1620.
