The Carbon Age

Carbon: Seems it's the subject on everyone's mind these days... and for good reason!

It's in the food we eat, the gasoline that fuels our cars, our clothes, jewelry, and beyond. It's us! C is the sixth most common element in the universe and intimately important in the tale of life on planet earth. And fortunately for us, Eric Roston (full disclosure, a colleague and friend) is a spectacular storyteller and has composed it's balanced, structured narrative across 12 chapters (coincidentally carbon's atomic mass) in The Carbon Age.

Admittedly, when I opened the book I had my doubts. It sounded like a text about chemistry... not my favorite subject in college. But this isn't a complex work of calculations, rather it's a page-turning portrayal of a vital and fascinating element inextricably linked to familiar challenges like climate change and energy. The first half of the book deals with evolution and its effect on the global carbon cycle and the second half focuses on technology.

As James Hansen, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies describes:

Carbon, the citizen king of elements, governs who we are and what life is--but the king is going mad! Citizens, revolt against the despots, or all may be lost!

I couldn't have said it better myself. The Carbon Age is an enjoyable read packed with information that's necessary for all of us to digest in a changing wold. Policymakers, media outlets, industry leaders, and general audiences will benefit from reading this book.

You can find more from Eric at his blog Carbon Nation and read a full interview with the author at Jennifer Ouellette's place. In my favorite response from their discussion, Roston touches on the significance of science communication:

..the problem with Washington isn't politicians, it's voters. Americans get the political leaders they deserve. The same might be said of media. If editors sense that people don't want to read about science as much as celebrities, there will be less science and more celebrities. On a positive note, I would emphasize strongly that there is more good journalism going on today than possibly ever. It just has smaller, fragmented audiences.

I agree and in short, The Carbon Age is my recommended 'must read' of summer 2008. But you don't have to take my word for it, pick up Roston's spectacular narrative and decide for yourself!