Climate, Fire and Human Evolution

The book explores the intricate relationship between the evolution of the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere over the last 4 million years alongside the development of the genus Homo, particularly highlighting the mastery of fire. It discusses how this ability shaped human survival and cultural evolution amidst fluctuating climates. The narrative connects early human experiences around campfires to the development of imagination and spirituality, contrasting pantheism and monotheism. It concludes with the impact of Neolithic agricultural advancements and the current anthropogenic extinction event, paralleling past mass extinctions.