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Scientists have come to realize that the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, rocks, and biosphere interact, forming an intricate system. The balance of this system is critical to life on Earth. In this Very Short Introduction Tim Lenton describes the approach and scope of Earth System Science, which brings together geologists, oceanographers, meteorologists, and bologists in order to piece together the nature and evolution of the cycles and feedback loops controlling our dynamic planet. The resulting picture reveals that life has played a key role in shaping the planet as well as being shaped by it. As human activity threatens the fine balance of the Earth system, the need to understand its operation is greater than ever before.