The anthropocene paradigm shift

Human activity is reshaping the Earth on a planetary scale: from record-breaking heat and disappearing species to dramatic shifts in ecosystems and landscapes. Since Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen first introduced the concept of the Anthropocene 25 years ago, it has sparked debate, inspired new research, and challenged us to rethink humanity’s role in the Earth system. Today, the idea has grown into a powerful lens for understanding the present and our future.

Participation is free of charge and open to the public. Please note, only register if you wish to come and watch the lecture in person. We will also live stream the lecture on this website. No registration is required to watch the broadcast. There will be an opportunity to submit written questions during the broadcast. Instructions will be published here before the start of the seminar.

This one-day symposium will explore the Anthropocene as a scientific, cultural, political, and economic paradigm shift. The programme will feature four sessions with keynotes and discussions, followed by a special evening event at one of Stockholm’s most unique venues. The sessions will include:

1. The trajectory of the Anthropocene – the Great Acceleration  

2. Culture in the Anthropocene: Revolutionary perspectives on morality, wisdom, time, space and human agency  

3. The Anthropocene as a scientific paradigm shift – perspectives from geology, Earth systems and history

4. Anthropocene as a paradigm shift for governance and stewardship
   What kind of worldviews, values and institutions will be adequate to deal with Anthropocene dynamics?

Together, the day will examine the trajectories of the Great Acceleration and the current state of the biosphere, and critically reflect on key frameworks shaping global debate: planetary boundaries, tipping points, planetary stewardship, and planetary commons.

This symposium also coincides with three historic milestones: 25 years since Crutzen first presented the Anthropocene, 80 years since the world’s first nuclear weapon test, and a year since the decision by the International Commission on Stratigraphy to reject the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch.

Convened by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Future Earth, and the Stockholm Resilience Centre – with co-convenors including the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, the Anthropocene Laboratory, the Center for Anthropocene History at KTH and the Bolin Centre for Climate Research – this symposium offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the nature of scientific paradigm shifts and how they percolate through societies.

For programme click here