雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists and environmental scientists as a proposed new geological epoch, defined by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. Proponents argue that markers such as plastic pollution, nuclear fallout, and elevated carbon dioxide levels are distinct enough to warrant a formal boundary in the stratigraphic record. However, critics contend that these changes are not uniformly distributed across the globe, and that the timescale of human influence, while profound, is too brief to align with the deep-time framework of geological epochs. They advocate for a more cautious approach, suggesting that the term 'Anthropocene' should remain a cultural or historical descriptor rather than a formal geological unit. This debate underscores the tension between scientific classification and the recognition of human agency in shaping planetary processes.