Abstract

This article examines the history and the meaning of the term “atmosphere”. It describes the structural differentiation of the atmosphere and its character as a relational concept of human beings towards their planetary environment. It argues that the concept of the atmosphere, while being overly present in daily experiences and generally being well comprehensible, is poorly understood by the layperson. It also explains how significant and fragile the atmosphere is. Using the two phenomena of global warming and ozone depletion, it shows the huge impact that human civilization has on the atmosphere and, in turn, the atmosphere’s significance for humanity in the Anthropocene.