Keen On America

We're Burning 500 Million Years of Earth's History in a Few Decades: So Stop Pretending Recycling Will Save the Planet

Sep 11, 2025
Peter Brannen, an award-winning science writer and author, discusses the alarming environmental crisis we're facing today. He emphasizes that we are recklessly burning 500 million years of Earth's history in decades, warning that simply recycling isn't enough to save the planet. Brannen reveals the dual nature of carbon dioxide, essential for life yet a potential destroyer, and critiques the limitations of electric vehicles in addressing climate change. He stresses the urgency for systemic action and innovative solutions to combat rising emissions.
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ANECDOTE

Fossil Fuels Are Buried Sunlight

  • Brannen explains fossil fuels are ancient plant energy captured by photosynthesis and buried for millions of years.
  • We dig up and burn that stored carbon all at once, creating today's CO2 spike.
INSIGHT

Burning Ancient Solar Energy Fast

  • Humans are burning ~500 million years of stored solar energy by releasing ancient carbon rapidly.
  • That unprecedented pace overwhelms Earth's natural cycles and drives a fast CO2 spike.
INSIGHT

CO2: Essential And Dangerous

  • CO2 makes Earth habitable by trapping heat, yet too much creates an uninhabitable greenhouse.
  • This dual role makes CO2 both essential and dangerous for life's balance.
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