Unlike most books on climate change, Age of Microbes by ecologist Steven D. Allison casts a hopeful tone. Allison maintains that the smallest of Earth's inhabitants—its microbes—may be key to solving problems such as droughts, rising sea levels, food insecurity, and the energy crisis.
Written for lay readers, the text does not dispute that dire climate changes are coming. Allison asserts, however, that new agricultural techniques can offset some of the upcoming climate disruptions.
Plants and microbes in the soil capture 30% of the world’s greenhouse gases. By using better soil management practices, biofertilizers, cover and range planting, an additional 5% of greenhouse gases could be banked. To combat drought, soil microbes can be engineered to help plants thrive in higher temperatures with less chemical fertilizer.
The most
inspiring chapter, “From Jungle Rot to Jet Fuel,” explains how microbes can be
used to generate an earth-friendly fuel. Allison explains that every solution
must be well-examined. After all, some climate interventions, corn ethanol, have
led to unintended consequences.
Everyone interested in the environment should read this book. Allison presents sound microbial solutions that are
rarely addressed in other climate crisis literature.