49 pages • 1 hour read
Elizabeth KolbertThe Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History (2014)
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, the author explores the history and impact of various species' extinctions, arguing that human activity is driving a current sixth mass extinction. By traveling globally and examining past and present examples, Kolbert highlights the connections between human actions, such as industrialization and deforestation, and the alarming changes in ecosystems, ocean chemistry, and climate, presenting evidence and interviews with experts to underscore her thesis.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction eloquently combines scientific rigor with compelling narrative, warning of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Critics laud its engaging prose and thorough research, though some argue it leans heavily on alarming scenarios without offering concrete solutions. Overall, it’s a critical and accessible look at humanity's impact on the planet.
Who Should Read The Sixth Extinction?
Readers drawn to The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert appreciate insightful, well-researched narratives on environmental science and natural history. Similar to fans of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time, they seek compelling stories about humanity's impact on Earth's ecosystems and urgent conservation issues.