The concept of the 'Anthropocene' has gained traction among geologists as a proposed new geological epoch defined by significant human impact on Earth's systems. Unlike earlier epochs, which were delineated by natural events such as ice ages or asteroid impacts, the Anthropocene is characterized by markers like radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. However, the formal recognition of this epoch remains contentious. Critics argue that human activity has not yet produced a sufficiently distinct and permanent stratigraphic signature to justify a new epoch, whereas proponents emphasize the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental change. This debate reflects broader questions about how science categorizes time and the role of human agency in shaping planetary history.