The Earth that sustains us today was born out of a few remarkable near-catastrophic revolutions started by biological innovations & marked by global environmental consequences. The revolutions have certain features in common such as an increase in the complexity energy utilization & information processing capabilities of life. This book describes these revolutions showing the fundamental interdependence of the evolution of life & its non-living environment. We would not exist unless these upheavals had led eventually to 'successful' outcomes
- meaning that after each one at length a new stable world emerged. The current planet-reshaping activities of our species may be the start of another great Earth system revolution but there is no guarantee that this one will be successful. This book explains what a successful transition through it might look like if we are wise enough to steer such a course. This book places humanity in context as part of the Earth system using a new scientific synthesis to illustrate our debt to the deep past & our potential for the future.