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The Sixth Extinction

336 pages, 2015

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Description

A major book about the future of the planet, blending intellectual and natural history and field reporting into a powerful account of the mass extinction unfolding before our eyes over the last half-billion years, there have been Five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted.  

Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cataclysm is us.  

In prose that is at once frank, entertaining, and deeply informed, New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert tells us why and how human beings have altered life on the planet in a way no species has before.

Understanding Mass Extinctions

Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction takes us on a journey through time, exploring the five major extinctions that have occurred in Earth's history. She paints a vivid picture of these catastrophic events, helping us understand the magnitude of what's happening now - the sixth extinction.

Human Impact on Biodiversity

The book makes it clear that humans are the driving force behind the current mass extinction. From climate change to habitat destruction, we're causing unprecedented damage to biodiversity. It's a wake-up call for us to see the consequences of our actions.

The Role of Climate Change

Kolbert digs deep into the role of climate change in the sixth extinction. She explains how rising temperatures and ocean acidification are causing species to disappear at an alarming rate. It's a stark reminder of the urgent need to address global warming.

The Future of Life on Earth

The Sixth Extinction doesn't just look at the past and present, it also looks into the future. Kolbert paints a grim picture of what life on Earth could look like if we continue on our current path. But she also offers hope, suggesting that we can still change course if we act now.

The Importance of Conservation

One of the key messages in The Sixth Extinction is the importance of conservation. Kolbert highlights the efforts of scientists and conservationists who are working tirelessly to save endangered species. It's a call to action for all of us to play our part in preserving biodiversity.

Quotes 5

A book that is both enlightening and alarming, 'The Sixth Extinction' is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our planet.

Barack ObamaBarack Obama - 44th U.S. President

'The Sixth Extinction' is a powerful exploration of the consequences of human activity on our planet's biodiversity.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Elizabeth Kolbert's 'The Sixth Extinction' is a stark and sobering call to action for all who care about the environment.

Al GoreAl Gore - Environmentalist, Politician

'The Sixth Extinction' is a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the impact of human activity on our planet's wildlife.

Jane GoodallJane Goodall - Primatologist, Activist

'The Sixth Extinction' is a chilling reminder of the fragility of life on Earth and the responsibility we bear as stewards of our planet.

Neil deGrasse TysonNeil deGrasse Tyson - Astrophysicist, Author
Barack ObamaBill GatesAl GoreJane GoodallNeil deGrasse Tyson

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