The narrative of the Anthropocene is shaping environmental debates as well as discussions within the environmental sciences. According to this narrative, humankind is facing its greatest challenge ever. This chapter discusses the current meanings of the concept of The Anthropocene in a critical but constructive manner. Approaching the Anthropocene as a multi-layered narrative, it discusses the promises and risks of adopting this concept and of making it central for understanding current global environmental challenges. We find that the narrative provides interesting scope for thinking sociologically about environmental challenges, but at the same time it involves some risks, which makes it important to reflect upon the conceptual usage of Anthropocene.