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 nuclear fallout, plastic pollution, and elevated carbon dioxide levels provide clear stratigraphic evidence of human activity. However, critics contend that the term is more cultural than scientific, noting that the formal recognition of an epoch requires globally synchronous and long-lasting geological signatures, which current human-induced changes may not fully satisfy. This debate highlights the intersection of scientific classification and societal awareness, raising questions about how we define and respond to our planetary influence.