Cycles of Life: Civilization and the Biosphere

Scientific American Library Series #63

by Vaclav Smil

Once seen as a collection of individual components, nature is now regarded as a unified system—a biosphere that permeates the Earth’s waters and extends from parts of its crust up into the atmosphere.

In Cycles of Life , Vaclav Smil describes current efforts to take into account the complex interplay of living organisms and environmental changes that shape the functioning of biogeochemical cycles. He focuses on the effects of human interference in these cycles caused by actions ranging from the combustion of fossil fuels to feeding a growing population. As we discover how intricate biospheric cycles are, and see the large-scale consequences that a seemingly local change can have, we realize the valuable contributions biogeochemical studies can make to the future of our planet.

Based on the latest scientific research, Cycles of Life is an authoritative introduction to the workings of the biosphere, one that emphatically calls for thoughtful environmental management, yet remains sensible in its recommendations for preventing further environmental damage.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Ecology, Nature

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Vaclav Smil is a Czech-Canadian scientist and policy analyst whose work spans energy, environment, food, population, economics, history, and public policy. Educated at Charles University in Prague and later at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in geography, Smil emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1969 following the Soviet invasion, before beginning his long academic career at the University of Manitoba in 1972. Over the decades he established himself as a leading voice on global energy systems, environmental change, and economic development, with particular attention to China. Smil has consistently argued that transitions to renewable energy will be gradual rather than rapid, emphasizing the persistence of coal, oil, and natural gas and highlighting the difficulties of decarbonizing critical industries such as steel, cement, ammonia, and plastics. He has also been skeptical of indefinite economic growth, suggesting that human consumption could be sustained at much lower levels of material and energy use. Widely admired for his clear, data-driven analyses, Smil counts Bill Gates among his readers, while colleagues have praised his rigor and independence. Known for his reclusiveness and preference for letting his books speak for him, he has nonetheless lectured extensively worldwide and consulted for major institutions. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada, Smil remains a highly influential public intellectual.

Reviews

[Bern J]

Educational- think college textbook in environmental studies

[John Millard]

Hopeful and frightening. Clearly a Global community of cooperation in science, politics and compassion for humanity is needed when facing such a challenge. Our science might not progress fast enough to meet the challenge. Our compassion must circumvent the inherent prejudices of many large group mindsets. Our political landscape must be littered with forward thinking, science minded, compassionately brave hard working people who know how to organize and cooperate with the people most likely to meet this challenge. We face many obstacles and it seems that our weak link is the political conundrum of conflict. If we choose our leaders wisely we are going to at least have a fighting chance at enjoying a long future. The scariest part of this book is that it was published in 1997. What has been happening since ?😏

[Tom]

Provides a data driven, systems perspective on a few of the fundamental environmental engines that shape our planet and the way human activities influence this. It would be great if all educated people endeavored to ground themselves with a little understanding of this science. Unfortunately, it takes a bit of patience, and a willingness to look beyond one's direct personal experiences to soldier through the material.

[Cynthia Leet]

How carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycles affect biomes and human effects on the cycles. Readable, many photos, and increases biological understanding.