The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

Published in 2014, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert is an eye-opening and thorough exploration of the natural world’s accelerating rate of species extinction. Drawing from the evidence of many of the world’s leading scientists and researchers, Kolbert exposes the causes, depth, and breadth of the effects of human activity on the natural world and its wild inhabitants, aptly demonstrating why and how species extinction has come to be defined as the sixth extinction in the history of Earth’s life and why human activity is the driving force behind this unprecedented transformation.

Kolbert begins her exploration by introducing the reader to the concept of species extinction, pointing out how it has been a reality since the dawn of life, allowing the biosphere to continually develop and evolve. But, she explains, the destruction of species through human activity over the recent past has created an event unparalleled to anything else. This so-called “sixth extinction” isn't a short-lived blip on the timeline of Earth’s history, but something that threatens to alter the fabric of the natural world - permanently.

Kolbert argues that the primary driving force behind the species extinction is human-induced climate change. Even those species normally resilient to other forms of extinction have been unable to withstand the rapid changes to their habitats and environments. In each of the chapters, she examines one of the many facets of the sixth extinction – from the destruction of rainforest habitats to the introduction of non-native species to the over-exploitation of fisheries and forests. In doing so, she shows that extinction is no longer happening incrementally or slowly but at a considerably accelerated rate with drastic consequence for both the planet and its wild inhabitants.

Kolbert’s style of writing is accessible yet informative, making The Sixth Extinction an enjoyable and informative read. Although the book can sometimes be inspiring in its presentation of the beauty of Earth’s biodiversity, it also often reads as a stark warning of the possibility of looming disaster if steps aren’t taken to regain a sense of the interconnectedness of the planet and the value of the species it sustains.

At the heart of The Sixth Extinction is a profound recognition of how human activity and progress can impact even the most secluded pockets of the world, resulting in the destruction of habitats and destruction of species. Kolbert unflinchingly presents the evidence and puts forth a call to action, challenging us as individuals and as a global community to take responsibility for our collective impact on the planet and to foster sustainability, conservation, and preservation.

Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction is an important and timely work of non-fiction. Drawing from a combination of scientific and historical evidence, it provides a comprehensive overview of the fact and the implications of human-induced species extinction. Through provocative and accessible writing, this book ensures a place for the sixth extinction in our collective memory, urging us to take responsibility for the future of our planet and for the fate of its species.