Becoming Earth

How Our Planet Came to Life

De: Ferris Jabr

Narrado por: Joe Ochman

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A vivid account of a major shift in how we understand Earth, from an exceptionally talented new voice. Earth is not simply an inanimate planet on which life evolved, but rather a planet that came to life.

“Glorious . . . full of achingly beautiful passages, mind-bending conceptual twists, and wonderful characters. Jabr reveals how Earth has been profoundly, miraculously shaped by life.”—Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of An Immense World

FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE • FINALIST FOR THE OREGON BOOK AWARD • AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Smithsonian, Chicago Public Library, Booklist, Scientific American, Nature

A BEST BOOK OF THE SUMMER: The Atlantic and NPR’s Science Friday

One of humanity’s oldest beliefs is that our world is alive. Though once ridiculed by some scientists, the idea of Earth as a vast interconnected living system has gained acceptance in recent decades. We, and all living things, are more than inhabitants of Earth—we are Earth, an outgrowth of its structure and an engine of its evolution. Life and its environment have coevolved for billions of years, transforming a lump of orbiting rock into a cosmic oasis—a planet that breathes, metabolizes, and regulates its climate.

Acclaimed science writer Ferris Jabr reveals a radical new vision of Earth where lush forests spew water, pollen, and bacteria to summon rain; giant animals engineer the very landscapes they roam; microbes chew rock to shape continents; and microscopic plankton, some as glittering as carved jewels, remake the air and sea.

Humans are one of the most extreme examples of life transforming Earth. Through fossil fuel consumption, agriculture, and pollution, we have altered more layers of the planet in less time than any other species, pushing Earth into a crisis. But we are also uniquely able to understand and protect the planet’s wondrous ecology and self-stabilizing processes. Jabr introduces us to a diverse cast of fascinating people who have devoted themselves to this vital work.

Becoming Earth is an exhilarating journey through the hidden workings of our planetary symphony—its players, its instruments, and the music of life that emerges—and an invitation to reexamine our place in it. How well we play our part will determine what kind of Earth our descendants inherit for millennia to come.

©2024 Ferris Jabr (P)2024 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A convincing, mind-opening case that ‘the history of life on Earth is the history of life remaking Earth.’”—The Atlantic

“A glorious paean to our living world.”—Ed Yong, Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of An Immense World

“Infectiously poetic . . . The way he revels in the wonder of this world is exhilarating. . . . The overall uplifting outlook that he imparts is sure to reenergize even the most hardened climate pessimist. An absolutely delightful read.”—Science

Gaia brought to life

That author has an excellent talent to present much scientific theory and facts together in an easy and engaging way. Much of the text is almost poetry.

We need to improve our actions as the caretakers of the planet.

The blend of storytelling and education is excellent. I could follow the author's journey and make discoveries alongside him. It felt as if I were right there with him.

Calm & well ordered presentation of complex issues.

Another step in broadening my view of the world and how climate change. A good listen.

Helping me understand our planet

Very little of the information was not helpful to me. Great overview of our living earth.

Fascinating and well researched

love how much of this book is backed up by thorough scientific research, it's really well written, no fluff just impactful and well structured evidence that will leave you constantly thinking about how earth truly is a living organism