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 accelerated species extinction clearly distinguish this period from the Holocene, which began about 11,700 years ago. However, critics contend that the term is more cultural than scientific, as the human footprint is not uniform across time or space, and formalizing it may oversimplify complex natural processes. This debate underscores the challenge of integrating human agency into geological classification systems that traditionally rely on natural, stratigraphic evidence.