A Pelican Introduction: The Human Planet: How We Created the Anthropocene

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

• The Lies that Bind: Rethinking Identity
• Understanding Global Security
• A Billion Black Anthropocenes or None (Forerunners: Ideas First)
• Anthropocene: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
• The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming
• Future Politics: Living Together in a World Transformed by Tech
• This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
• The Industrial Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
• Global Political Economy: Evolution and Dynamics
• No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference