The Human Planet

The Human Planet

How We Created the Anthropocene

Summary

'Brilliantly written and genuinely one of the most important books I have ever read' - Ellie Mae O'Hagan

An engrossing 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

Meteorites, methane, mega-volcanoes and now human beings; the old forces of nature that transformed Earth many millions of years ago are joined by another: us. Our actions have driven Earth into a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. For the first time in our home planet's 4.5-billion year history a single species is dictating Earth's future.

To some the Anthropocene symbolises 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, religion and politics linked to our deepest fears and utopian visions.

Tracing our environmental impact through time to reveal when humans began to dominate Earth, scientists Simon Lewis and Mark Maslin masterfully show what the new epoch means for all of us.

Reviews

  • A careful explanation of what society is doing to this amazing planet and its people. I was absolutely gripped. Brilliantly written and genuinely one of the most important books I have ever read
    Ellie Mae O’Hagan

About the authors

Simon L. Lewis

Simon L. Lewis is Professor of Global Change Science at University College London and the University of Leeds. An award-winning scientist, he has been described as having 'one of the world's most influential scientific minds'. He has written for the Guardian and Foreign Policy magazine.
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Mark A. Maslin

Mark A. Maslin is Professor of Earth System Science at University College London and a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit scholar. Mark is the author of 8 popular books including The Human Planet and Cradle of Humanity, which Professor Brian Cox called 'exhilarating'. His next book, How to Save Our Planet: The Facts, will be published in May 2021.
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