From the celebrated author of The Ends of the World, an epic biography of the molecule that made – and could now break – everything we know
All life is made from CO2 . It was there at earth’s birth, and throughout evolution. It has kept our planet habitable for hundreds of millions of years. It has given us all the splendours of the world we know today. And yet it also holds the potential for life's destruction.
In this gripping adventure through eras and places, award-winning science journalist Peter Brannen tells the story of the world’s most important molecule. We travel from the beginning of time all the way up to our present reality, witnessing the staggering journey that CO2 has undertaken.
As we watch its movements through the rocks, the air, the oceans and living beings over four billion years, we come to see more clearly what it means for us to be churning through ancient life – in the form of fossil fuels – as we power our industrial world. We are, Brannen shows, performing an unprecedented experiment on our planet. If we are to avoid its catastrophic consequences, we must all begin to deepen our understanding of this curious substance, which has given us everything from the very first life forms on earth to the business titans reshaping our planet today.
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The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything 9780241631164 Hardback
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Thoughts on ordering from Guardian Bookstor
I learned about this book from an article in the Guardian. I was interested in the subject matter and I looked for a source in the USA, but I could not find one. The ordering of the book was easy and I expected it would take a while for the book to arrive. I was disappointed with Trump's pol…
I learned about this book from an article in the Guardian. I was interested in the subject matter and I looked for a source in the USA, but I could not find one. The ordering of the book was easy and I expected it would take a while for the book to arrive. I was disappointed with Trump's policies toward customs on packages shipped from foreign countries and retaliation from British post stopping the shipment of packages. I had expected further delays; however I was surprised to receive the package is the time frame time that was promised. I am ashamed to say that the book is sitting in my pile of books to be read. I do read the introduction to all of the books that I received and I was pleased with what I had read and I am looking forward to diving into the book later this fall.
- Authors:
- Brannen, Peter
- Year Published:
- 2025
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Format:
- Hardback
- ISBN:
- 9780241631164
- Number of Pages:
- 512
- Publication Date:
- 26/08/2025
- Publisher:
- Penguin Books Ltd
- Place of Publication:
- London
- Language:
- English
- SKU:
- 9780241631164