The Anthropocene is a recent rupture in Earth's history caused by human impact on the planet. Earth System science identifies this as a significant change, not just a variation of existing ecological sciences. Some mistakenly think of it as just another term for the environment. Different ideas about when the Anthropocene began are based on these misunderstandings. The concept of a 'good Anthropocene' is also discussed. Some people disagree with the idea of this new epoch, but it is argued that their perspectives may distort the true meaning of the Anthropocene.