The Hidden Universe

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.

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.

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.

In "The Hidden Universe: Adventures in Biodiversity," Alexandre Antonelli offers an eye-opening journey through the often-overlooked wonders of the natural world. As the Director of Science at one of the world's largest botanical research institutions, Antonelli is more than qualified to lead readers into the intricate web of life on Earth. His passion for the subject shines through, making this book not only informative but also deeply engaging.

The book begins with a vivid recounting of Antonelli's childhood in Brazil, where the rainforests sparked his fascination with nature. This personal touch sets the tone for a book that is as much about the author's connection to the environment as it is about the scientific facts of biodiversity. Through Antonelli's eyes, we see a world rich in variety, from the genetic level to the vast ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. His ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible is one of the book's greatest strengths.

One of the key messages in "The Hidden Universe" is the urgent need to protect biodiversity in the face of climate change, habitat loss, and other human-made threats. Antonelli doesn't shy away from the dire state of our planet, but he also offers hope. He argues that by understanding the interconnectedness of all life forms, we can better appreciate the importance of biodiversity and be motivated to take action.

The book is a call to arms, but it's also practical. Antonelli provides a list of actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. These range from making informed choices about the pets we keep to advocating for large-scale political change. The author's emphasis on both individual responsibility and collective action is a refreshing approach that makes the reader feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.