Carbon

Carbon animates the entirety of the living world. Though it comprises only a tiny fraction of Earth’s composition, our planet would be lifeless without it. From the intricate microscopic networks of fungi in the Earth’s soils to the tallest trees of the forests to every cell in every animal, the very fabric of life on Earth is shaped by carbon. Though it is much maligned as a driver of climate change, blamed for the possible demise of civilisation, that is only one part of its story.

In this stirring, hopeful and deeply humane book, Paul Hawken illuminates the omnipresence of this life-giving element and the possibilities it provides for the future of human endeavour, inviting us to see nature, carbon and ourselves as exquisitely intertwined and inseparably connected.

‘An impassioned call for a return to traditional environmental stewardship…Hawken sees reasons for hope that we will reverse our heedlessly destructive ways, even in the current political climate…Profound cultural scope deepens Hawken’s exceptional science writing.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘Paul Hawken writes beautifully about the situation we face here on our planet. Using carbon, life’s central elements, as a major theme, his eloquence and point of view are insightful, powerful, and important.’ Jeff Bridges

‘Paul Hawken, writing with his usual clear and often poetic style, explains that without carbon our planet would be a dead moonscape, devoid of life. Carbon, the Book of Life is absolutely fascinating, and I urge you to buy and read it.’ Jane Goodall

‘Carbon is an enormously hopeful book—hopeful about the creatures we live among and about our innate human capacities.’ Elizabeth Kolbert