The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

A remarkable exploration of the science history and politics of the Anthropocene one of the most important scientific ideas of our time from two world-renowned experts A relentless reckoning of how we as a species got ourselves into the mess were in today . . . told with determination and in chiseled almost literary prose.Christoph Irmscher Wall Street Journal Meteorites mega-volcanoes and plate tectonicsthe old forces of naturehave transformed Earth for millions of years. They are now joined by a new geological forcehumans. Our actions have driven Earth into a new geological epoch the Anthropocene. For the first time in our home planets 4.5-billion-year history a single species is increasingly dictating Earths future. To some the Anthropocene symbolizes a future of superlative control of our environment. To others it is the height of hubris the illusion of our mastery over nature. Whatever your view just below the surface of this odd-sounding scientific word the Anthropocene is a heady mix of science philosophy and politics linked to our deepest fears and utopian visions. Tracing our environmental impacts through time scientists Simon Lewis and Mark Maslin reveal a new view of human history and a new outlook for the future of humanity in the unstable world we have created.