The study of Earth represents a distinct area of science, although it is connected to astronomy, biology, physics, and chemistry. Before you is a fascinating biography of our planet, which unveils the mysteries of the scientific, historical, and philosophical symbiosis of humanity and Earth. Considering the planet as an integrated ecosystem, Elizabeth Erwin-Blankenheim illustrates through examples how land, water, living organisms, and the atmosphere support an excellent yet fragile balance that is now under threat. Engaging and at times poetic, the book tells how Earth has influenced living organisms and how living organisms have shaped the face of our planet.
«In the rocks and the history of the Earth lie mysteries and keys to overcoming current problems in all habitats of living organisms — air, water, land — arising from the instability of global cycles due to climate change. Moreover, our world, if not the entire Universe, is not only a reflection of such cycles but also adapts to them: Earth rotates, hence the sun rises and sets to rise again; volcanic eruptions occur, so land rises and falls, only to return to magma and be restored again. The idea of cyclicity and what can be called astronomical or planetary instability on geological timescales can contribute to building new, more fruitful relationships with the planet: perhaps a deeper understanding, respect, and manifestation of care for our shared habitat». (Elizabeth Erwin-Blankenheim)