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Is Earth in a New Time Period: The Plasticene?
Summary
This accessible science communication piece argues that plastic has become so pervasive—appearing in rocks, sediments, and ecosystems globally—that Earth may have entered a new geological epoch called the 'Plasticene.' Understanding how plastic becomes embedded in the geological record helps scientists and the public grasp the irreversible long-term scale of microplastic contamination.
Earth has a special calendar called the geologic time scale that helps us understand its long history. We are currently in the Holocene Epoch, but some scientists believe we have entered a new time called the Anthropocene or the “Age of Humans” because of our impact on the planet. One of the biggest changes humans have made is inventing and using plastic, which has now become a major pollutant. Because plastic is now found everywhere, some scientists, like us, think we have entered a new stage in Earth’s history called the Plasticene. Plastic can now be found in many places on Earth, even in rocks! Scientists are trying to understand the various types of plastic rocks and how they form, which might help us to better manage plastic pollution. Plastic waste is leaving a mark on our planet’s history, but there are ways we can help.