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🗞️ Driving the news: A panel of geologists has rejected the term "Anthropocene" for a new geological epoch, despite its widespread use to describe human impact on the environment 
• The decision has not deterred activists, artists, and academics from continuing to use the term to highlight environmental issues

🔭 The context: The term "Anthropocene" was popularized in 2000 by Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen, suggesting humans have significantly altered Earth's systems
• The term was rejected by the International Commission on Stratigraphy, which argued that recent changes do not justify a new epoch. Nonetheless, the concept remains popular in various fields outside geology

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The term "Anthropocene" serves as a cultural shorthand for the significant and often detrimental human impact on Earth's environment, raising awareness about climate change and ecological degradation
• Despite its rejection by geologists, its continued use underscores the urgency of addressing these global challenges

⏭️ What's next: Geologists have to wait at least ten years before they can propose the Anthropocene as an epoch again
• Meanwhile, the term will likely continue to be used in public discourse to describe human-driven environmental changes

💬 One quote: “We don’t have another 70 years to wait,” said Francine McCarthy, professor of earth science at Brock University, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change

📈 One stat: Searches for the term "Anthropocene" remained steady, with similar online search volumes before and after the March decision by the International Commission on Stratigraphy, according to Google Trends

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