According to the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), humanity's impact on the Earth has gone beyond limits. As a result, a new geological epoch appeared. Instead of the Holocene (“entirely recent”) epoch, which began 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age, the mankind's influence led to the Anthropocene (anthropo, for “man,” and cene, for “new”). It has started in the mid-20th century. It is defined by radioactive elements, plastic pollution and even bones left by domestic chicken.
Human activities have led to animal and plant extinction. Carbon dioxide emissions have broken acceptable limits. Soil and water are covered in plastic. Chemicals content doubled over the recent century. Consequences of human activities are numerous and long-lasting, and that is why scientists consider them signs of the new epoch. When the Anthropocene is officially recognized, it can be admitted that the human has become the key link in the planet's mechanism.
The new epoch of geological time has started around 1950. Nuclear bomb tests became the determining factor. Professor Colin Waters, principal geologist at the British Geological Survey, notes that over 30 scientists voted to designate the new epoch. He is sure that the Anthropocene is a real thing and has a series of features that are easily determined.
Scientists are currently arguing over a so-called “golden spike”, which is a geological marker that is able to remain unchanged for a long time and points to the beginning of a new epoch. The best candidate for a golden spike is radioactive elements from nuclear bomb tests of 1950s. Another possible golden spike is plastic and aluminum pollution as well hydrocarbon particles.
Disputes over amending the geological time scale have been lasting for around 15 years. Scientists studying the Anthropocene have to decide which phenomenon – nuclear tests, plastic pollution etc. – to regard as the epoch's golden spike.
Scientists also have to determine sites where a geological border between two epochs should be tracked. Geologists are investigating mud sediments off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, US and stalactites and stalagmites in the Ernesto cave in northern Italy. Once the needed data is acquired, the IUGS will make a decision on a change in the geological time scale.
Economic inequality remains one of the most pressing issues in today's world. To measure the gap between the rich and the poor in each country, the Gini index is used. This coefficient reflects how income is distributed within a society: the closer the index is to 100, the greater the inequality. Let's explore which countries currently have the highest Gini index values
This year has been pivotal for Bitcoin, the world's leading cryptocurrency. One of the key milestones was the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In April 2024, Bitcoin also experienced a halving event, which is typically seen as a positive development for the digital asset. This year, the cryptocurrency is up 57%, and analysts remain optimistic about its future. However, they highlight four key factors that could influence Bitcoin's trajectory, both for better and for worse
Analytical periodical US News and World Report has presented its ranking of the best countries in the world in terms of quality of life, based on a survey of nearly 17,000 people. The list considers factors such as economic and political stability, a strong labor market, income equality, family-friendliness, safety, the quality of education, and healthcare systems. Let's find out which countries made it to the top of this list.
