The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene
An exploration of the Anthropocene and “a relentless reckoning of how we, as a species, got ourselves into the mess we’re in today” (The Wall Street Journal).

Meteorites, mega-volcanoes, and plate tectonics—the old forces of nature—have transformed Earth for millions of years. They are now joined by a new geological force—humans. 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 increasingly dictating Earth’s 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, history, 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.
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The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene
An exploration of the Anthropocene and “a relentless reckoning of how we, as a species, got ourselves into the mess we’re in today” (The Wall Street Journal).

Meteorites, mega-volcanoes, and plate tectonics—the old forces of nature—have transformed Earth for millions of years. They are now joined by a new geological force—humans. 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 increasingly dictating Earth’s 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, history, 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.
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The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

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Overview

An exploration of the Anthropocene and “a relentless reckoning of how we, as a species, got ourselves into the mess we’re in today” (The Wall Street Journal).

Meteorites, mega-volcanoes, and plate tectonics—the old forces of nature—have transformed Earth for millions of years. They are now joined by a new geological force—humans. 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 increasingly dictating Earth’s 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, history, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780300243031
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication date: 06/24/2022
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 452
Sales rank: 176,105
File size: 5 MB

About the Author

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. Mark A. Maslin is Professor of Climatology at University College London, a Royal Society Industrial Fellow, and a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Scholar. He is the author of eight books and has written for The Times and New Scientist.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.Mark A. Maslin is Professor of Earth System Science at University College London and a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit scholar. His most recent book is The Cradle of Humanity which Professor Brian Cox called 'exhilarating'.

Table of Contents

List of Figures vii

Preface to the Paperback Edition xi

Acknowledgements xxi

Introduction The Meaning of the Anthropocene 1

Chapter 1 The Hidden History of the Anthropocene 17

Chapter 2 How to Divide Geological Time 43

Chapter 3 Down from the Trees 81

Chapter 4 Farming, the First Energy Revolution 115

Chapter 5 Globalization 1.0, the Modern World 149

Chapter 6 Fossil Fuels, the Second Energy Revolution 191

Chapter 7 Globalization 2.0, the Great Acceleration 229

Chapter 8 Living in Epoch-Making Times 271

Chapter 9 Defining the Anthropocene 299

Chapter 10 How We Become a Force of Nature 333

Chapter 11 Can Homo dominatus Become Wise? 371

Notes 421

Index 483

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