49 pages • 1 hour read
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History (2014)
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Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, the author explores the history and impact of various species' extinctions, arguing that human activity is driving a current sixth mass extinction. By traveling globally and examining past and present examples, Kolbert highlights the connections between human actions, such as industrialization and deforestation, and the alarming changes in ecosystems, ocean chemistry, and climate, presenting evidence and interviews with experts to underscore her thesis.
Informative
Mysterious
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
83,628 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction eloquently combines scientific rigor with compelling narrative, warning of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Critics laud its engaging prose and thorough research, though some argue it leans heavily on alarming scenarios without offering concrete solutions. Overall, it’s a critical and accessible look at humanity's impact on the planet.
Who Should Read The Sixth Extinction?
Readers drawn to The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert appreciate insightful, well-researched narratives on environmental science and natural history. Similar to fans of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time, they seek compelling stories about humanity's impact on Earth's ecosystems and urgent conservation issues.
83,628 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jean Leopold Nicolas Frederic Cuvier
Jean Leopold Nicolas Frederic Cuvier
A naturalist known for studying ancient mastodon bones and arguing that species went extinct due to catastrophic events based on his cataclysmic hypothesis.
Charles Lyell
Charles Lyell
A geologist who challenged Cuvier’s cataclysmic theory with his interest in the development of new species, influencing early geological study and inspiring Charles Darwin.
Walter and Luis Alvarez
Walter and Luis Alvarez
A father-son duo who hypothesized that a giant asteroid caused the Cretaceous period's end, using evidence from limestone and clay layers in Italy.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin
The originator of the concept of natural selection, whose scientific theories and professional relationships contribute to the exploration of extinction, with a focus on his sea voyage and observations.
336
Book • Nonfiction
Global • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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