Paper short abstract:

What is the usefulness to historians of the concept of the Anthropocene? The epoch will likely be defined by a spike of radiation in 1945 that will remain for tens of thousands of years? Does the concept help us understand the Great Deceleration of the next few decades?

Paper long abstract:

The Anthropocene concept, widely acknowledged, is anchored in the enduring aftermath of the 1945 nuclear radiation spike, stretching into a remote future. What is the practical use to historians of a concept for the next 20,000 years? More problematically, the Anthropocene concept may inadvertently obscure crucial lessons drawn from recent history on social transformation. The experience of the tobacco and HIV epidemics, ethnic, racial and gender equality, and changing food cultures demonstrate human capacity to change.

In contrast, the concept of the Great Acceleration, often intertwined with the Anthropocene, has a finite timespan, set to conclude within a few decades as exponential growth cannot be sustained. The concept is measurable and practical but again tends to occlude human potential for change.

In response to these considerations, we need a wider conceptualisation of the New Human Condition to comprehend the period of deceleration and dematerialisation that has already begun and will probably last towards 2050. This period will likely be defined by four interwoven dimensions:

- Human Planetary Agency in an age of of limits to growth

- Digital Revolution: Emphasizing the profound impact of digital technologies on both society and the environment as we transition from analog systems.

- Ascendance of Design over Tradition: the evolving role of design in shaping our interactions with the environment, influenced by post-modern, post-human, and denialist ideologies.

- Coalitions for Change: Recognizing the necessity of global collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, this component underscores the significance of collective efforts.