Extinctions: Living and Dying in the Margin of Error

by Michael Hannah

Are we now entering a mass extinction event? What can mass extinctions in Earth's history tell us about the Anthropocene? What do mass extinction events look like and how does life on Earth recover from them? The fossil record reveals periods when biodiversity exploded, and short intervals when much of life was wiped out in mass extinction events. In comparison with these ancient events, today's biotic crisis hasn't (yet) reached the level of extinction to be called a mass extinction. But we are certainly in crisis, and current parallels with ancient mass extinction events are profound and deeply worrying. Humanity's actions are applying the same sorts of pressures - on similar scales - that in the past pushed the Earth system out of equilibrium and triggered mass extinction events. Analysis of the fossil record suggests that we still have some time to avert this but we must act now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

262 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2021

Reviews

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, depressing and sobering AF. Some of this is already happening. I like there is a lot of science to back tall the observations in this book. A climatology book for sure and another warning for the planet. Again sobering AF but very relevant to everyone on the planet. Well written and current.

Recommended for those interested in climatology and those interested in mass extinctions.

Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Hannah and Cambridge University Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 9/2/21

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book because it's written by the person that first taught me about forams and it didn't disappoint. Unlike another book I read about extinctions (the ends of the world), it was not overly dramatic and annoying. It was informative while still being interesting, probably because it was written by someone that actually knows what they're talking about.

The book has a great arc, beginning with the Anthropocene then digressing to the beginnings of life and a journey through past mass extinctions, then back to our current defaunation. I loved how the possible triggers of extinction events were explained then Mike gave his viewpoints, and the sources were given. I also loved how this book ended on a more hopeful note and didn't leave me feeling depressed about the state of the world.
It also made me happy that the PETM got some love because NZ is losing its interest in deep time research ❤️
If you're interested in extinctions I'd highly recommend. You'll learn a lot, and the writing isn't too dry like reading a science article.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Extinctions is a sobering, science based, nonfiction klaxon call-to-arms by Dr. Marcia Bjornerud. Due out 16th Sept 2021 from Cambridge University Press, it's 325 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function.

This is a meticulous look at the prehistoric past, recent past, present and future of extinction level events on Earth, and how they changed the course of the planet. The writing is precise and scientifically correct, but perfectly accessible and understandable, and horrifying. The author doesn't mince words at all and it's extremely distressing.

This is not a handbook about how to live a greener life and recycle our plastic. She does a good job pointing out that we're literally teetering on the knife edge and unless something is done right away on an unprecedented scale, we're going to find out exactly how long it takes to recover from a widespread extinction event (assuming humans come out the other side which is far from certain).

The book includes a bibliography arranged by chapters in alphabetical order, as well as a cross-referenced index. The main body of the work is also well annotated.

Five stars. This would make a good selection for library acquisition, as a support text for earth science and similar classroom subjects, and for fans of popular science writing.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Matt O'Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some nonfictions I will give 5 stars because they seem significant historically or because they seem extraordinarily valuable in some other sense, even if I did not love every moment.

This is not one of those books. This is a true 5-star-er. I could not get enough.

Some (many) nonfictions:
1.Are too long, and spread what should be a 20-page essay over 300 or so pages.
2. Are poorly edited and meander across ideas through each chapter.
3. Fail to clearly identify factual claims vs. opinions or speculation, or are lazy with sourcing.
4. Seem to treat the material like there is a trade-off between technical detail and entertainment value (may be some truth to this but I think it's over-exaggerated).

This book is precisely none of these things. There is an incredible density of relevant information, presented by a scientifically and critically disciplined author, that is as engaging as a spy mystery thriller. He explains what we know, how we know it, and how certain we are that we know it with a level of clarity that is frankly rare in nonfiction.

For issues with multiple prevailing hypotheses, he humorously describes himself as an "inveterate fence-sitter." This is just a humble way of saying "disciplined scientist." The dispassionate presentation of multiple controversial competing hypotheses is seriously impressive.

The figures are some of the best I've come across in a book. I look forward to a future edition with color photographs in the middle (a man can dream!).

Seriously though, this book is a shining example of what nonfiction should be. Goes without saying that I would highly recommend to absolutely anybody.

[Barry Avis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes the history of extinctions from the beginning of our ability to be able to measure them up to the new geological age called the Anthropocene. Although it is generally accepted that there have been five mass extinction events (called the big five) the author showed how there have been other smaller extinction events but also discussed the difficulties which arise from having limited data as not all animals leave fossil records.
The book details how the ‘Earth System’ has previously slowly recovered from the mass extinctions and the upset of the Earths’ CO2/Oxygen balance which I think was described in fairly easy to understand language.
The author puts forward a hypothesis that we are currently undergoing a ‘Defaunation’ which is not just an increase in extinctions but also includes bringing several species to the brink of extinction which is something that the fossil records cannot easily document.
Overall an interesting read from a knowledgeable author who expanded my knowledge of our climate emergency and provided further information on just how far we are to the tipping point.

[Rachel Hjert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great trip through deep geological time to try and understand if we are currently staring down the barrel of a human induced mass extinction.
Good news, with the help of The Earth System, we have a chance to reverse what we’ve started, but we must act now!
Just the right amount of science and humour (I did find myself laughing at some of the authors comments) that make this a sobering but essential read! Would be wonderful if some of the policy makers would give it a go, but we don’t have to wait for them to make a change!

[Nigel McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and readable account of paleontological evidence for previous mass extinctions, and discussion of the possibility of a human induced collapse of the "earth system". If that happens, life may continue, but Homo sapiens might not.
Extensive reading list, that I don't think any ordinary reader could ever hope to tackle ... apart from anything else, most of us can't access science journals.