Nate Hagens, renowned for his work on ecological economics and energy studies, defines 'carbon pulse' as a transient phase in human history characterized by a rapid, unprecedented surge in energy availability and economic growth due to the large-scale extraction and combustion of fossil fuels. This burst of accessible high-density energy has fueled industrialization, technological advancement, and population growth, dramatically altering natural systems and societal structures. However, Hagens emphasizes that this period is unsustainable, as it is predicated on finite resources and results in significant environmental and climatic consequences. The concept underscores the urgency for transitioning to a more sustainable mode of existence before the inevitable decline in fossil fuel availability exacerbates ecological and economic fragility.

See also: fossil carbon, ecological economics, perverse incentive, renewable energy