BIOLYF X life's job is to hydrogenate carbon dioxide—to turn CO₂ and water into organic matter

 A

3 Memorable Anecdotes from the Book

1. The Geochemist's Answer to “What Is Life For?”
Brannen opens with geochemist Michael Russell speaking to an audience expecting a profound philosophical answer about life. After several lofty responses, Russell bluntly says: life's job is to hydrogenate carbon dioxide—to turn CO₂ and water into organic matter. The anecdote reframes life itself as part of the carbon cycle. (Everand)

2. Walking Through Death Valley's Deep Time
Brannen visits Death Valley and encounters rocks vastly older than the Grand Canyon. The experience drives home a recurring theme: geological time is almost impossible for humans to grasp. Looking at those ancient rocks helps explain how slowly Earth's carbon cycle normally operates. (Kirkus Reviews)

3. Fossil Fuels as Ancient Life
Throughout the book, Brannen repeatedly returns to the idea that when we burn coal, oil, and gas, we're effectively burning the remains of ancient ecosystems and releasing carbon stored over hundreds of millions of years. He presents modern industry as tapping into a gigantic geological battery. (Boston College)

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5 Notable Quotes

(All quotes are kept short.)

1. "Life hydrogenates carbon dioxide." (Everand)

2. "There's only one prebiotic molecule, and it's carbon dioxide." (Everand)

3. "Today, as in the beginning, life is still made out of carbon dioxide." (Kirkus Reviews)

4. "Time is big." (Kirkus Reviews)

5. "Everything about planet Earth is basically mediated through CO₂ somehow." (Boston College)

The single quote that captures the entire book

"Life hydrogenates carbon dioxide." (Everand)

Brannen uses this idea to argue that CO₂ is not merely a climate pollutant; it is the molecule that links geology, biology, climate, energy, and civilization into one story. (podscan.fm)