In The Hidden Universe: Adventures in Biodiversity, Alexandre Antonelli encourages us to look, not to the skies, but to the Earth and to marvel in the wonders of nature. As you might expect, this book covers the effect of global warming on biodiversity but also it looks at other factors such as habitat and use of certain chemicals. The end offers a concrete list of practical things an individual could do given their situation, of which some are quite nuanced. For example, he encourages people to really think about getting a pet, from their environmental impact as meat eaters as well as those pets, such as outdoor cats, that kill and harm other wildlife - something I personally would not have considered.

On the whole, this book is pretty informative, if a little short for my liking (!), but would be perfect for someone beginning their journey into the topic.

As climate change and habitat destruction grow ever more dire, it’s important to identify the best ways to preserve biodiversity. This short but powerful book stresses an ecosystem approach over a species approach, given the interconnectedness of the natural world. It’s entertaining and easy to read—and offers strong warnings about the consequences of inaction.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I’m sorry to not give a higher rating to a book on the subject which has been the dominant concern of the second half of my life. It’s a book which activated a lot of sadness while reading, but I didn’t lower my rating for that; I think grief is part of what we need to feel about what we’ve done to life on Earth.

The first section of the book gives a solid overview of what biodiversity is, looking at the aspects of species, genes, evolution, functions, and ecosystems. Throughout the book, it’s clear that the author respects the natural world, and we share many values.

It was a single but very large omission which made the book lose credibility with me, and lowered my rating. I got to the end of the book and was so amazed the topic hadn’t been broached that I searched the book to be sure I hadn’t somehow missed it.

Habitat loss is listed as the major cause of the loss of biodiversity, and the doubling of the human population over fifty years is listed as the driving force, directly and indirectly. But rather than take on the issue directly, the author only writes that we need to change the results of it, such as how we produce food.

The final chapter titled “What Can We Do?” acknowledges that we must change our lifestyle radically and substantially, and offers suggestions. There are many good ones on areas such as diet and transportation which I’ve long tried to live by. The author suggests that people consider not having pets, but doesn’t suggest they consider not having children. The first step in saving biodiversity is decreasing human population. Based on human preference for short term gain over long term stability, and the deterioration and denial I’ve seen during my life, I don’t believe the necessary changes are going to happen voluntarily. But to not even be willing to face the issue guarantees they won’t.

As to another major factor in the loss of biodiversity, the U.S., the country which has done the most to cause climate change, is currently quickly going backward in all ways possible and the right-wing supreme court and one senator have made it more difficult to fight climate change. I have no confidence that current political and economic systems will accomplish or even attempt what is needed. The author acknowledges that we have failed so far, but hopes that will change.

Thanks to University of Chicago Press and NetGalley for the advance copy to review.

An absolutely splendid book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As someone who in September will be starting a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Degree it was a very useful resource and I believe should be provided to all secondary school children to read and perhaps study. If we are to make a difference then we need to be teaching these things from a young age. A beautiful book that I will indeed purchase in paperback when it comes out.

The best science communicators can communicate a lot of science in way that is both interesting and easy to understand. That’s exactly what Alexandre Antonelli has done in this wonderful book. He explores the vast variety of living things, why that diversity is important, and how humans are diminishing biodiversity. In the second half of the book he delves into what we can do to protect biodiversity both as a society and as individuals. I feel like this is in immensely important book because it so clearly lays out importance, problems, and solutions related to biodiversity. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest opinion.