The Unnatural World

September 5, 2016
Like many before him, science journalist Biello explores the roots of the Anthropocene epoch, its global
consequences, and possible solutions. He articulates the common-sense position that if planetary degradation is to be stopped, humans must be a part of that action: “The threat is us, the solution is in us. It takes a grown-up, rational species to recognize we are not alone and to provide for the protection of others, who have less control.” Biello focuses on a number of individuals with big, largely technological, ideas to save humankind, including a scientist who wants to fertilize the ocean to increase the growth of phytoplankton and thus soak up massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. He also examines efforts in China to build “circular economies” where waste is transformed into assets and society moves toward carbon neutrality. Perhaps most importantly, Biello points out that it’s not necessary to wait for a grand technological fix: “If there is a simple solution to our present problems, it might be summed up as: Empower women with clean power.” Biello presents some interesting anecdotes and introduces some creative individuals, but his conclusion that only “relentless work” will make the world better is underwhelming. Agent: Ethan Bassoff, Lippincott Massie McQuilkin.

Starred review from October 1, 2016
In his first book, Scientific American editor Biello argues that it is not a lack of money or technology that prevents our addressing environmental and societal ills but rather a lack of motivation.The author, who hosts the ongoing PBS documentary Beyond the Light Switch, believes we are writing a new chapter in the history of the Earth, much of it composed in ignorance. We are terraforming our own world without conscious design, exerting global influence without the exercise of global responsibility. The linchpin of his book is the Anthropocene, the idea of a geologic epoch in which humankind represents the world-changing force of nature for the first time. Biello's stance and sympathies are quite clear, but he thankfully avoids polemics. His approach is unusually balanced; he is keen to show that every coin has a second face, not least the face of hope vs. despair. As the author notes, we must mature as a species, ditch short-term thinking, and recognize that we are now influencing outcomes in ways we can't foresee. It is our fatenot just the planet'sthat hangs in the balance. Biello advocates a fundamentally new perspective on where we live and how, assuring that we have the tools to address almost any challenge, if not yet the will. His book is also an expansive ecological history of past, present, and future. Exceptionally well-researched if occasionally repetitive, the book is crammed with astonishing facts and fascinating speculations. Biello examines the inefficiencies of our neo-fossil age, the nature and origins of the city, wildness (as opposed to wilderness), humanity's role in the pace of extinctions, the appalling lack of electricity and clean water in much of the world, a new space race, waste as the foundation of modern society, and varied concepts of geoengineering. In this well-written, significant book, Biello insists that humans, the world's most successful invasive species, have the ability to engage in planetary protection and human survival, but it will require wisdom, innovation, and restraint.

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2016

The effects of steadily increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere seem to be everywhere: rapidly shrinking glaciers, warmer and more acidic oceans, thawing permafrost, rising sea levels, and higher temperatures. Journalist Biello (Scientific American and other publications) examines the viability of technologies for reducing carbon dioxide levels. These "technofixes" include ocean fertilization to create plankton blooms that suck up carbon dioxide, energy sources that don't burn fossil fuels (solar, wind, nuclear power), biodigesters (mechanical stomachs) that convert organic material into usable gas, carbon capture and storage technologies, and electric cars. Biello also explores the environmental costs of China's tremendous economic expansion and efforts to reduce its use of coal. Surprisingly, for a science book, there are no in-text author citations. While some content is based on author interviews, other material includes facts and statistics that are not general knowledge. VERDICT Despite the lack of references, this thoughtful analysis of how we might move toward a more sustainable civilization is recommended for readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Kolbert's Field Notes from a Catastrophe and for anyone who follows the latest developments in climate geoengineering.--Cynthia Lee Knight, Hunterdon Cty. Historical Soc., Flemington, NJ

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2016
Among climate scientists who agree with the current consensus that global warming is real, a sizable number now argue that, despite the international agreements to lower carbon emissions, devastating changes to the environment are inevitable and not easily reversible. In this compelling call to action, award-winning environmental journalist Biello argues most of the damage will be due to humankind's history of denial about its starring, and often detrimental, role in what scientists are now calling the Anthropocene Epoch. More than voicing a grim assessment, however, Biello also peers over the shoulders of innovators hoping to right civilization's ship before it literally drowns under rising seas. Off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, Biello visits with scientists experimenting with submerged iron particles that feed oxygen-producing plankton. At the University of Maryland, researchers are now using drones to better study deforestation, while a California genetics lab is investigating de-extinction technologies. Although some geoengineering schemes, like iron fertilization, have proved controversial, Biello's absorbing work presents a hopeful alternative to the widespread media forecasts of planetary gloom and doom.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)