The Carbon Age: How Life's Core Element Has Become Civilization's Greatest Threat

by Eric Roston

The story of carbon―the building block of life that, ironically, is humanity's great threat.

Carbon has always been the ubiquitous architect of Indeed, all living things need it to stay alive, and carbon cycles through organisms, ground, water, and atmosphere in a kind of global respiration system that helps keep Earth in balance. Yet, since the start of the industrial era, carbon dioxide emissions have sped up the carbon cycle, and chlorofluorocarbons are destroying the ozone layer and warming the planet. In The Carbon Age , science writer Eric Roston evokes this essential element, illuminating history from the Big Bang to modern civilization, and chronicles the often surprising ways mankind has used carbon over centuries. Blending the latest science with original reporting, Roston charts how we reached the brink of catastrophe, making us aware, as never before, of the seminal impact carbon has on our lives.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Environment, Sustainability

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2008

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I know the author -- he was a couple years ahead of me on the Columbia Spectator. I found this book at the SFO bookstore before boarding a red-eye to New York, and figured it was appropriate reading for a cross-country flight. It's one of the better non-fiction science books I've read recently, right up there with "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Eric does a good job of explaining complex chemical reactions in lay language; the concepts are never dry or obtuse. The book is elegantly structured, unfolding through time, disciplines, and industries that is original and satisfying. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for a better understanding of climate change.

[John Lundin]

An important read for anyone concerned with the environment and its threats - which should be all of us.

[Reynold Witmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carbon Age is a book I really wanted to read. I mean, it was things I really wanted to know about. For reasons probably all my fault, I struggled so much with the first quarter of the book that I nearly gave up. Fortunately when I tackled it again with a fresh mind it became much more readable, and in the end I was quite glad that I didn't quit. Roston's range is impressive. He dragged me from tectonic carbon cycling (things i think are cool) to ATPs and mitochondria (I had to watch Youtube videos to follow) to terraforming the solar system. I learned many many things of this book, at least a few of which I hope to retain. My only regret is that it isn't newer, which is no fault of the authors.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the examination of the origin of carbon in the stellar cloud and its incorporation into the earth. The concept of biology as just another pool in the carbon cycle was an excellent insight. I rather lost it in the consistent but uninteresting conversation about industrial uses. Had he stuck to science it would have been brilliant. As is, it was good.

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really quite informative. The author separates the book into two parts; part 1 being "natural" carbon, part 2 being "unnatural" carbon. (The author does qualify that by saying there's no such thing as "unnatural" carbon. However, it's a conscious grammatical use whose purpose is to simplify the different between the natural world (the natural process of carbon through the atmosphere, stars' formation and life, etc.), and the unnatural, or human, world (humans using and burning hydrocarbons, accelerating natural processes from millions/billions of years [what it normally takes] to within decades or hundreds of years).

Very informative read. Occasionally, it does get a little gratuitous with it's in-depth chemistry jargon, which can be occasionally confusing and/or frustrating if you're not used to it. But, aside from that, it's very worth reading. Highly recommended!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Science heavy. Informative. I appreciated this wasn't a preachy environmental book that threatens an apocalyptic ending as a result of our ignorant continuation of self indulgence. Instead it explains what carbon is, how it was formed (lots of earth origins info) and the result of our continual use of it. It also makes some interesting arguments regarding how resistant humans are to changing their lifestyle for the sake of future generations, and some ways to make it economically rewarding to use renewable methods of energy. This book would probably be best understood by Chemists, Physicists, and Earth Science professionals.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! The author uses wonderfully creative language to bring the science to life. Here's a snippet: "The story of carbon is also oxygen's tale. They are the Lennon and McCartney of the periodic table. They each have solo careers, but neither is as compelling as their ensemble work." (p. 50)

[S. R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding. Even-handed, well-researched, accessibly written and full of illuminating observations. Carefully avoids preaching or hyperbole but still takes current situation very seriously and from a thoughtful, scientific point of view.

[marcali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful science read worth owning (forget the gimicky subtitle).
Cosmology, physics, chemistry, ecology, climate -- it's all here, woven together to explain our world -- how it happened and where it's going.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Roston, makes technical information quite understandable. His frequent references to historical context is especially useful, I think.
Chapters 6 through 9 are outstanding for biologists.

[Dave Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

an interesting perspective of carbon, its place in the universe, Earth, life and our society

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting and insightful so far, very broad sweep.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big bowl of ok. The claim on the book of the author being a "super storyteller" is itself a bit of story. But overall - a useful read - just not terribly gripping.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense and dense...better get your chemistry books out for review. Makes me want to be a carbon scientist. One of those books, one can read more than once to fully understand.