雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained significant traction in recent decades, positing that human activities have become the dominant force shaping Earth's geology and ecosystems. While the term was popularized by atmospheric chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000, its formal recognition as a geological epoch remains debated among scientists. Proponents argue that markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence of a distinct human-driven era. However, skeptics contend that these signals are too variable and recent to meet the strict criteria for a geological time unit, which typically spans thousands or millions of years. This debate underscores a deeper tension between scientific classification and the urgency of addressing human impact on the planet.