Scientists say 'new era' of humanity's adverse impact on Earth began in 1950s

Humans' impact on the earth began a new epoch in the 1950s – called the Anthropocene – when massive nuclear testing was carried out in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. © Atomic Heritage Foundation

Scientists have designated a small body of water near Toronto, Canada as ground-zero for the 'Anthropocene era' – the proposed geological epoch defined by humanity's massive and destabilising impact on the planet – which they say began at the beginning of the 'atomic age' in the 1950s.

From climate change to species loss and pollution, humans have etched their impact on the Earth with such strength and permanence since the middle of the 20th century that a special team of scientists says a new geologic epoch began then.