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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: After nearly 15 years of deliberation, a scholarly panel concluded that humanity has not significantly altered the world to warrant the declaration of a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene
• However, they acknowledged the undeniable impact of human activity on Earth
🔭 The context: The debate centered around human-driven changes such as nuclear fallout, biodiversity loss, alteration of landscapes, and the burning of fossil fuels
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These activities are leaving lasting marks on the Earth, from nuclear isotopes and biodiversity changes to fossil fuel emissions and plastic pollution
• Such changes highlight the profound impact humans are having on the planet's geology and ecosystems
⏭️ What's next: Despite the decision against officially marking a new epoch, the continued examination of human impacts on Earth's geology will inform future considerations and actions
• It underscores the need for sustainable practices to mitigate long-term damage to the planet
📈 One stat: Worldwide, humans move more than 24 times the amount of sediment each year compared to what is supplied by rivers
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