The Human Planet

How We Created the Anthropocene (A Pelican Book)

By: Simon Lewis, Mark A. Maslin

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Human Planet, a Pelican Book, by Simon L. Lewis and Mark A. Maslin, read by Roy McMillan.  

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, Simon Lewis and Mark Maslin show what the new epoch means for the future of humanity, the planet and life itself.  

©2019 Simon Lewis (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

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

Brilliant

If you've read and enjoyed Yuval Noah Harari then this is next, a deep dive behind the science behind our human drive.

a thought provoking book

there's much more to climate change than rising temperatures and sea levels, I learned so much more a thought provoking book.

So in depth, makes everything fit together.

Gripping, well written, heartbreaking and well researched. Voice was calm and reassuring too for a heavy subject. Big topic but broken up well for non scientists.

A Must Read

This book is a must-read (or must-listen) for any inhabitant of the human planet who is interested in finding out about how today's society evolved, what have been its impacts on the environment and basically the whole story of the modern human race.

The only downside is that since it is a nonfiction book where facts and numbers play a major role, it is sometimes easy to get lost and lose focus - some visual aid would be helpful.

Roy McMillan perfect narration

Roy - you could read me the bible and I’d be transfixed from beginning to end.....
And I’m an atheist!

This book is totally brilliant and informative. I loved it. Lots of information though and I’m starting it again!
An absolute must listen 😃

Probably the best Science book on Audible

An excellent book detailing how humans have become a geological force. This book covers a vast number of topics from evolution and geology through history and politics. All this under the framework of determining when and how the world transitioned into the Anthropocene.

It's succinct and well read. I've listened to it twice now and gifted a copy to a friend. Definitely worth getting.