PREFACE

This book is for people who want to know what is happening to life on Earth--and to us. This knowledge is so important for our survival that I invited prominent scientists who investigate the planet's life-support system to tell their stories for our benefit.

It is rare for scientists to discuss publicly their experiences, emotions, and beliefs because such expression is considered unscientific. This collection of personal and professional reflections is exceptional for its revelation of scientists' private lives and thoughts. Their profound understanding, appreciation, and reverence for life is inspirational and potentially transformative. We can experience it by following the development of their awareness, knowledge, and wisdom through their lives.

These leading scientists began their careers in different scientific fields-in chemistry; nuclear physics, engineering, astronomy, and meteorology; as well as in the life sciences. In the forefront of their disciplines, they researched diverse aspects of the biosphere, yet reached convergent conclusions regarding the plight of our planet. Their systemic perspective and global worldview prefigure a shift in the scientific paradigm and provide a prototype for our fixture. At this pivotal point in history; consequential decisions about our collective fate need to take account of the circumstances that enable life to exist--and the requisite conditions for its continued existence.

The individual stories in this book focus on crucial components of the global biosphere: the land, plants, forests, creatures, rivers, oceans, climate, and atmosphere. Just as we are dependent on all these systems, each planetary part depends on every other, and everything is interconnected within an integrative whole.

Thus each story relates to the others, and a single story evolves. From their origins in a particular person, place, and time, the stories expand to encompass the planet and the future of life on Earth.