In the grand tapestry of Earth’s history, the marks left by ancient civilisations often stir our imagination—think of the majestic pyramids of Egypt or the enigmatic stone circles of Stonehenge. But what will future generations—or perhaps even alien archaeologists—make of our own era, the Anthropocene? According to two insightful scientists, our legacy might not be as grandiose as we’d hoped. Instead, it seems that plastic bags, disposable clothing, and chicken bones could be the enduring symbols of our time.
When we think of fossils, we often picture dinosaur bones or ancient plant imprints. However, Prof Sarah Gabbott, a palaeontologist from the University of Leicester, and Prof Jan Zalasiewicz, a geologist and a proponent of the Anthropocene epoch, suggest that our ‘technofossils’ will tell a different story. These are the remnants of our technological civilisation that are likely to survive for millions of years, providing a snapshot of our consumer-driven society.
Plastic, the ubiquitous material that has found its way into every corner of our lives, is set to be a defining feature of our geological footprint. Its durability and widespread use mean that it will be encountered wherever future civilisations dig. From plastic bags to fast food containers, our reliance on this material will be unmistakable in the layers of the Earth.
But it’s not just plastic that will define us. The mass production of cheap clothing has led to a surge in synthetic garments that, unlike their natural predecessors, do not easily decompose. These clothes, often discarded after only a few wears, are likely to become a permanent fixture in the geological record. Gabbott notes the staggering volume of clothing that ends up in rivers and landfills, likening these sites to ‘giant mummification tombs’.
Even our dietary habits will leave a mark. The modern broiler chicken, bred for rapid growth and short life, will be a notable entry in the fossil record due to its sheer numbers. With around 25 billion chickens alive at any given time, they will likely be the most abundant bird in Earth’s history, leaving a clear signal of our era’s farming practices.
Concrete, another hallmark of our civilisation, is already a rock-like material that will be readily preserved. The vast quantities in which it is produced and used in construction ensure that our urban landscapes will become colossal concrete fossils, especially in cities that are sinking and thus more likely to be buried under sediments.
Our impact on the planet extends below the surface as well. The extensive drilling for oil and gas, along with underground nuclear tests, has left a network of scars that will endure as evidence of our quest for energy and power.
Even the chemicals we’ve synthesised, some of which are ominously dubbed ‘forever chemicals’, will persist. These substances, found everywhere from non-stick pans to pesticides, are resistant to degradation and will remain in the environment indefinitely.
As Gabbott and Zalasiewicz explore the concept of technofossils in their book Discarded, they also highlight the importance of understanding our impact on the planet. The early stages of fossilisation overlap with the time frame in which we can still mitigate the environmental damage we’re causing. Their work is a call to action, urging us to reconsider our consumption habits and the legacy we’re leaving behind.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that our actions today will leave lasting marks on the planet for generations to come. Whether we like it or not, the materials we use and the choices we make will shape the Earth’s geological record, defining our era.
How do you feel about the potential legacy we’re leaving behind? What changes, if any, have you made to reduce your environmental impact? Do you think future generations will remember us for our waste or for the efforts we make toward sustainability? Share your insights with us in the comments below!
Also read: Food waste woes: Tonnes of food are discarded in Australia every year
