The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History

By Elizabeth Kolbert

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and named one of the decade’s most impactful nonfiction works, The Sixth Extinction by acclaimed journalist Elizabeth Kolbert delivers a searing, scientifically grounded examination of the catastrophic loss of biodiversity unfolding in real time. In this newly updated 10th-anniversary edition, Kolbert adds a fresh epilogue addressing the worsening trends and urgency of climate intervention.

Through compelling narratives that blend field reportage with evolutionary biology, Kolbert investigates the alarming disappearance of species across land and sea. She introduces readers to endangered creatures—from the charismatic Panamanian golden frog to the coral colonies of the Great Barrier Reef—placing their stories within the context of geological time and human-driven change. With deep insight and journalistic precision, Kolbert traces how deforestation, carbon emissions, ocean acidification, and invasive species are accelerating the pace of extinction at rates unseen since the age of the dinosaurs.

The Sixth Extinction challenges readers to consider the ethical and ecological consequences of our species’ dominance. With testimonials from geologists, marine biologists, and climate researchers, the book outlines not only what has been lost—but what could still be saved. Hailed by Al Gore as “an invaluable contribution” and lauded by Science Friday, The Observer, and The New York Times, this is a must-read for anyone concerned with planetary health, ecological literacy, or the future of life on Earth. Ideal for environmental scholars, sustainability advocates, and curious minds alike.