Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet's Future

This book is excellent, not only because of its historical and very important information about our planet with its past and present environmental problems, but also because it offers hope. The author has a very nice writing style. I have already recommended this book to several friends. I teach Ecopsychology courses, and plan to introduce it to students as well.

David Grinspoon has written a wonderfully inspiring and thought-provoking book.I really enjoyed the clear, engaging yet precise writing style. His accounts (many of them first hand) of the interesting history of the planetary science and astrobiology communities are fascinating; as are the descriptions of the long past of life on this planet, appreciations of the complex present, and discussions of the future.Earth in Human Hands is also a masterpiece of perspectives in space and time. One moment, you're learning about how we spot and survey exoplanets (planets that orbit other stars) many lightyears away; in another instant, the narrative has zoomed in to individual people, and their incredible journeys to find things out, and ask important questions.Similarly, Grinspoon doesn't shy away from working on the timescales of different geologic ages, and of discussing the 'deep future' of life on this planet. Yet, he also weaves this cosmic perspective together with important issues, concerns and responsibilities of the here and now in the early 21st century.This excellent perspective is also applied to many of the issues the book covers. I enjoyed how the author both thoroughly examines each issue from multiple points of view, and gives his own position on them. I finished the book with answers to some important questions I have had, and new important questions that need better answers.Overall, Earth in Human Hands is emboldening, humbling, clarifying and questioning. It's a great ride. I was indeed a little sorry when I finished the last chapter. But I know the story doesn't end here...

This is a really thoughtful book. If you are interested in these issues, it's wonderful. Highly recommended!

Earth in Human Hands, written by astrobiologist Dr. David Grinspoon, examines our current issues of global warming and climate change through an astronomical lens and factors in the entirety of Earth’s history. We humans, as a single species have changed Earth more than any other species in history. The planet is in our hands and we are running it, whether we want to or not. Dr. Grinspoon compares Earth’s history with that of Mars and Venus and presents ideas for dealing with climate change. He discusses space travel and extraterrestrial interaction and how a changing Earth would affect these. I liked this book. It is fascinating, entertaining, and educational. It revealed to me a lot of new ideas that I had never known, reinforced ideas that I have already heard, and reminded me of ideas that I had forgotten over time. The book is easy to read and entertaining. Dr. Grinspoon has a lot of information to share with the public and it is enlightening. It is dense read but the writing is simple and witty enough. This book is long and Dr. Grinspoon tends to repeat himself. A lot of terminologies, historical background and figures, and friendships and relationships are discussed and sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everyone and everything. Dr. Grinspoon, while comedic and witty is also blunt and frank, not pessimistic but realistic with a unique take on matters. There are more strengths than weaknesses and I was glad to have read this book. I would recommend it to anyone with even a slight interest in human endeavors, meteorology, world history, astronomy, planetary science, or science fiction. The book has something for just about everyone and covers many different subjects that seem disparate, though Dr. Grinspoon weaves them all together seamlessly.

Delivery was right on time, and book was in perfect shape, with just a note about it being a library discard. No mark ups. I was impressed. Also, it's a wonderfully easy-to-follow high level explanation of climate change, with solid science and thoughtful philosophy.