The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch characterized by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. Proponents argue that markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels are stratigraphically distinct, warranting formal recognition. Critics, however, contend that the term lacks precise temporal boundaries and that human influences are not uniformly synchronous across the globe. They suggest that the Holocene, the current interglacial period, already encompasses human activity, making a new epoch redundant. Despite this debate, the Anthropocene serves as a powerful heuristic for interdisciplinary research, prompting discussions on sustainability and planetary stewardship. Its formal adoption remains pending, yet its conceptual utility extends beyond geology into policy and public discourse.
❓ 批評家たちが、人新世を新たな地質時代として正式に認定することに反対する主な理由は何ですか？
A. A. 人間の影響の痕跡は、地層記録には見られない。
B. B. 人間活動は地球のシステムを大きく変えてはいない。
C. C. 提案された時代区分には明確な時間的境界と全球的な一貫性が欠けている。
D. D. 完新世は人類の活動を含めるには短すぎる。
✅ 正确答案
C. The proposed epoch lacks clear temporal boundaries and global consistency.
IELTS Reading Tips
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