What if the story of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is actually the story of everything? It’s a bold claim, but Peter Brannen, an award-winning science journalist, argues that this humble chemical compound holds the key to understanding our planet’s past, present, and future. In his latest book, The Story of CO₂ Is the Story of Everything, Brannen takes readers on a journey from the dawn of Earth to today’s climate crisis, revealing how CO₂ connects it all. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most of us associate CO₂ with environmental doom, Brannen uncovers a far richer narrative—one that challenges our assumptions and invites us to rethink what we know.
Brannen’s fascination with CO₂ began almost by accident. After graduating from Boston College with an English degree, he carved out a career writing for prestigious publications like The Atlantic and The New York Times. Yet, it was his growing interest in Earth’s oceans that led him down a path of scientific exploration. ‘I started writing about overfishing, climate change, and ocean acidification in my spare time,’ Brannen recalls. ‘It was eye-opening—and I was hooked.’
The turning point came at an ocean science journalism conference, where Brannen met a scientist studying 56-million-year-old sediment cores from the ocean floor. ‘It blew my mind,’ he says. ‘Climate change isn’t just a theoretical future scenario—it’s written in the rocks. If we know how to read them, we can predict how our planet will respond.’ This revelation sparked a passion for environmental storytelling, culminating in his 2017 book, The Ends of the World, which explores Earth’s five major mass extinctions.
But writing these books wasn’t a quick endeavor. Brannen spent years collaborating with paleontologists and geologists, piecing together evidence from Earth’s history. ‘I became a barnacle in the geoscience community,’ he jokes, referring to his deep immersion in the field. This dedication paid off, as he translated complex scientific concepts into captivating narratives. As fellow science journalist Rebecca Boyle puts it, ‘Peter has a poet’s touch—he turns rocks into profound stories.’
While researching The Ends of the World, Brannen stumbled upon the carbon cycle—a process that moves carbon through the Earth and atmosphere, sustaining life. This discovery inspired his second book. ‘The carbon cycle is what makes Earth habitable,’ he explains. ‘I wanted to reintroduce people to CO₂, moving beyond the doom-and-gloom headlines to reveal its full story.’
Brannen’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After securing a book deal in 2020, he spent years devouring academic papers and collaborating with scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder. ‘The scope of the book spiraled out of control,’ he admits. ‘Once you start pulling on the thread of CO₂, you realize it’s connected to everything.’ Published in August 2025, the book took nearly five years to complete—far longer than anticipated.
Carl Simpson, a geological sciences professor at CU Boulder, praises Brannen’s unique ability to tackle complex topics. ‘He writes about processes that are almost alien in their scale and strangeness, yet he makes them accessible and fascinating,’ Simpson notes.
Brannen hopes his book will correct common misconceptions about CO₂ and climate change. ‘Climate deniers often latch onto facts that are technically true but lack context,’ he says. ‘Context is everything.’ By understanding how our planet works, readers might feel more empowered to address the climate crisis. ‘Your generation is more engaged on these issues than ever before,’ Brannen adds optimistically. ‘That’s something to be hopeful about.’
Through his work, Brannen has developed a profound appreciation for Earth’s extraordinary history. ‘Writing this book filled me with gratitude for the miracle of life on our planet,’ he reflects. ‘Every development over billions of years has led to this moment—it’s awe-inspiring.’
But here’s the controversial part: Is CO₂ truly the villain it’s made out to be, or is it a misunderstood hero in Earth’s story? Brannen’s book challenges us to reconsider. What do you think? Is CO₂ a force of destruction, or is its role far more nuanced? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—your perspective matters!
