The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

Summary

'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History' by Elizabeth Kolbert is an exploration of the ongoing mass extinction event caused by human activity. Kolbert combines storytelling, scientific research, and on-the-ground reporting to illustrate how species across the globe are vanishing at an alarming rate. Through case studies and interviews, she delves into the causes—ranging from climate change to habitat destruction—and considers what extinction on this scale means for humanity's future. The book serves as both a warning and a call to awareness about our impact on the planet.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Human activity is directly causing unprecedented rates of extinction, rivaling past natural extinction events in scope and scale.

2. Biodiversity loss threatens not just other species, but also the stability of human civilization and natural systems we rely on.

3. Understanding and confronting our role in environmental change is necessary for the survival of many species, including our own.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2014

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 94

Practical Examples

1. The Decline of the Panamanian Golden Frog

   Kolbert details how a deadly fungus, spread by humans across continents, is wiping out amphibians like the Panamanian golden frog. Scientists attempt to save these frogs in captivity, but their numbers in the wild have plummeted due to the introduced disease. This example illustrates how even indirect human actions can devastate species.

2. Death of Coral Reefs from Ocean Acidification

   She documents how rising carbon dioxide levels, a result of burning fossil fuels, are causing the oceans to become more acidic. This change threatens the survival of coral reefs, which are vital marine ecosystems. Kolbert visits scientists studying the reefs and explains how ocean chemistry shifts are dissolving coral skeletons.

3. The Great Auk’s Extinction

   Kolbert recounts the story of the great auk, a flightless bird driven to extinction by overhunting for food and feathers. Despite warnings from naturalists, the species disappeared in the mid-19th century. This historical example highlights the irreversible consequences of human overexploitation.

4. Bats and White-nose Syndrome

   In North America, bats are dying off rapidly due to white-nose syndrome, a fungus introduced from Europe. Kolbert visits a cave to see the impact first-hand, discussing how the fungus takes advantage of hibernating bats and leads to massive die-offs. The spread of the fungus is linked to human activity, such as cave tourism.

5. The Mastodon's Extinction and Early Human Impact

   Kolbert discusses how early humans may have played a significant role in the extinction of megafauna like the mastodon. Through archaeological evidence, she explores the concept that large-scale animal extinctions have coincided with human expansion. This complicates the narrative that only modern society is responsible for extinctions.

6. Forest Fragmentation and the Sumatran Rhino

   She examines the impact of deforestation and habitat fragmentation on the critically endangered Sumatran rhino. Conservationists' efforts to save the species are hindered by isolated populations unable to naturally reproduce. Kolbert’s account underscores how modern land-use changes can quickly push species towards extinction.

7. Neanderthal Extinction and the Rise of Homo sapiens

   Kolbert explores how the arrival of Homo sapiens may have contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals. She connects ancient extinctions with modern dynamics, questioning what makes 'us' different and dangerous as a species. The story serves as a mirror for our current transformative impact on Earth.

8. The Effect of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

   Kolbert tells the story of how invasive species, spread via global trade and travel, disrupt ecosystems and outcompete native species. She showcases how these accidental introductions can be as catastrophic as deliberate destruction. Examples include tree-snakes in Guam and chestnut blight in North America.

9. Evidence from Fossil Records of Past Extinctions

   The book delves into how paleontologists reconstruct past extinctions from the fossil record, such as the end-Cretaceous event that killed the dinosaurs. Kolbert parallels current biodiversity loss with these abrupt geological events. She makes clear that, unlike in the past, today's causes are traceable to human behavior.