In glaciology, the term ice age is defined by the presence of extensive ice sheets in the northern and southern hemispheres. By this definition, the current Holocene period is an interglacial period of an ice age. The accumulation of anthropogenic greenhouse gases is projected to delay the next glacial period.

It's intriguing how human activity can influence such long-term natural cycles. Understanding these impacts is crucial for predicting future climate scenarios and making informed environmental decisions.