Title: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Author: Elizabeth Kolbert
Year of Publication: 2014
Genre: Non-fiction, Science, Environmentalism
Setting: Global, with a focus on various ecosystems and species impacted by human activities

Summary: "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" is a compelling and thought-provoking work that explores the ongoing mass extinction of species on Earth and its causes. Elizabeth Kolbert examines the alarming rate at which species are disappearing and the role of human activities, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species, in driving these extinctions. Drawing on scientific research, fieldwork, and interviews with experts, Kolbert presents a comprehensive and sobering analysis of the current biodiversity crisis. The book highlights the importance of biodiversity and raises urgent questions about our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world.

Major Themes:

• Mass Extinction Events: Kolbert discusses the history of mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, exploring how the current extinction event compares to previous ones and the unique role humans play in causing it.
• Human Impact on the Environment: The book examines the ways in which human activities, particularly those related to industrialization and climate change, have dramatically altered ecosystems and contributed to the loss of biodiversity.
• Species and Ecosystems at Risk: Kolbert focuses on specific examples of species and ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to extinction, shedding light on their ecological importance and the challenges they face.
• Environmental Conservation: "The Sixth Extinction" emphasizes the urgency of environmental conservation and the need for collective action to address the current crisis.

Awards: "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" received widespread acclaim and several awards, including:

• Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction (2015)
• PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award (2015)

Legacy: Kolbert's book has been highly influential in raising awareness about the ongoing biodiversity crisis and the human role in causing it. It has sparked conversations and debates about the need for environmental stewardship and the consequences of unchecked human activity on the natural world. "The Sixth Extinction" serves as a call to action, urging individuals, policymakers, and society as a whole to prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and take steps to mitigate the factors contributing to species loss. The book continues to be regarded as an important contribution to the field of environmental science and a catalyst for environmental advocacy.