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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ 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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