The Human Planet

By Simon L. Lewis and Mark A. Maslin (2018)

Simon L. Lewis is Professor of Global Change Science at University College London and Mark A. Maslin is Professor of Earth System Science also at UCL.

‘The Human Planet’ digs into Earth’s deep geological past, the rise of humanity, and how we have come to dominate the planet. The authors assert that humans have already become a geological superpower, irreversibly altering the evolution of life and the geology of our planet through agriculture, industry, and climate change. They argue, our global impact already ranks alongside the biggest changes in Earth’s long history and that the Anthropocene has already begun - we are living in the geological epoch of humans.

The book is a beautifully succinct journey through four billion years of life on Planet Earth, which is full of amazing details and deep insight into the evolution of our species. The authors contrast the actions of humans with major transformational events in Earth’s past; from biochemical change (greenhouse gases), to external change (orbital changes and meteorites), and evolutionary pressures (the great oxidation). The narrative conveys the enormous impact humans are having on the planet, whilst reminding us of the insignificant length of time we have existed as a species.

Simon and Maslin walk the reader through a fascinating journey from the beginnings of life on Earth, to hunter-gatherer humans, through to the industrial revolution and everything in-between. ‘The Human Planet’ is a must read if you want to better understand our species, the impact we are having on the planet, and where we may be headed in the future.

*Book cover credit: Matthew Young

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