Five Billion Years of Global Change

Demonstrating how the story of our past can help us better understand the present, geographer Denis Wood tells the story of our entire past, from the Big Bang to the World Wide Web. Five Billion Years of Global Change takes readers through the formation of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, continents, and mountains; the origin of life; the evolution of the human species; the spread of agricultural production; and the growth of international trade. In a uniquely evocative and philosophical style, Wood shows how a greater knowledge of the interconnectedness of our world could potentially change the way we approach contemporary problems. This eye-opening book will be enjoyed by all readers interested in the history of our planet and concerned about its future.