雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by humanity's profound impact on Earth's systems. Unlike earlier epochs, which were distinguished by natural climatic shifts or biological events, the Anthropocene is characterized by markers such as nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, scholars debate its formal ratification, with some arguing that human influence began thousands of years ago with early agriculture, while others pinpoint the mid-20th century 'Great Acceleration' as the definitive start. This controversy is not merely semantic; it influences how scientists frame environmental policy and public perception of our responsibility toward planetary stewardship.