Pyrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire, and What Happens Next

The Pyrocene is a provocative rethinking of how humans and fire have evolved together over time, and our responsibility to reorient this relationship before it's too late. It describes how we have remade the Earth and how we might recover our responsibilities as keepers of the planetary flame.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

The Pyrocene is a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and fire, tracing their evolutionary journey together over time. It sheds light on the transformative impact of fire on human civilization, from the earliest use of flames for cooking and survival to the modern era of industrialization and climate change.

Since the emergence of terrestrial life, flames have played a central role in shaping the Earth's landscape. However, over the past two million years, a remarkable species emerged—humanity—and its mastery of fire set off a chain of events that would reshape both itself and the world.

Humans developed small guts and large brains through the process of cooking food, enabling them to climb the food chain and become a geologic force. Fire was used not only for direct purposes such as converting living landscapes into hunting grounds and forage fields but also indirectly through pyrotechnologies that extended humanity's reach beyond the limitations of flame.

Preindustrial and Indigenous societies operated within strict ecological constraints that determined how and when living landscapes could be burned. However, when people began to burn fossil biomass, the boundaries of firepower were pushed to their limits, leading to the breakdown of these ancient relationships. Fire-catalyzed climate change resulted in the globalization of its impacts, ushering in a new geologic epoch known as the Pyrocene.

The Pleistocene era gave way to the Pyrocene, marking a significant shift in the Earth's history. Around fires, across millennia, humans have told stories that explained the world and negotiated their place within it. The Pyrocene continues this tradition, offering insights into how we have remade the Earth and how we can reclaim our responsibilities as stewards of the planetary flame.

The Pyrocene reminds us of the profound impact of human actions on the environment. It highlights the need for a responsible and sustainable relationship with fire, one that balances its benefits with its ecological consequences. By recognizing the power of fire and its potential for both destruction and renewal, we can strive to create a future where humans and fire coexist in harmony with the Earth.

In conclusion, the Pyrocene is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between humans and fire, offering a timely reminder of our responsibility to reorient this relationship before it is too late. By embracing the power of fire and working towards a sustainable future, we can ensure that the Earth remains a vibrant and thriving planet for generations to come.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 147 x 218 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520383586