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New developments in Anthropocene Science in China
Summary
This review covers advances in Anthropocene science in China, examining how artificial radionuclides, microplastics, stable isotopes, black carbon, and biological proxies recorded in geological and environmental archives document human impacts since the mid-20th century. Chinese research has identified the Great Acceleration as a clear signal in multiple proxy records across the country.
Currently, research on the Anthropocene is advancing rapidly in China. Chinese scholars have investigated various indicators of human activity, such as artificial radionuclides (239,240Pu and 129I), microplastics, δ13C, δ15N, black carbon, soot, diatoms, and DNA, as recorded in different geological and biological archives. The variations in these indicators reveal environmental changes in China since the Great Acceleration, providing evidence for global comparative studies of the Anthropocene. The sediment profile of the Sihailongwan Maar Lake, located far from urban areas and human activity, is highly sensitive to global signals, making it an ideal site for Anthropocene research. The Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with other institutions, has conducted integrated analyses of multiple indicators in sediment cores collected from Sihailongwan. The concentration of 239,240Pu increased rapidly in 1953, and systematic changes were observed in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 129I, soot 14C, carbon spherules, DNA, δ13C, heavy metals, and other indicators, all supporting the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG)’s proposal that the mid-20th century marks the onset of the Anthropocene. China has rich and diverse geological and biological records, a large population, and substantial human impact on the environment. Anthropocene research in China holds great potential, offering important insights into the effects of human activities on climate, the environment, and the Earth system. Furthermore, it provides scientific support for policymakers in formulating strategies to protect ecological environment.