雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by human impact on Earth's systems. Unlike earlier epochs, which were delineated by natural phenomena such as glacial cycles or mass extinctions, the Anthropocene is marked by a suite of anthropogenic signatures, including radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, microplastics in sedimentary layers, and a dramatic spike in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Proponents argue that these markers are stratigraphically distinct and globally synchronous, warranting formal recognition. However, skeptics contend that the term's utility is more cultural than scientific, as human-induced changes occur at varying rates across regions, complicating the establishment of a single, clean boundary. This debate highlights the tension between geological precision and the broader narrative of planetary stewardship, raising questions about how science defines epochs in an era of pervasive human agency.