Science for the Public: Contemporary Science Issues and Innovations
December 09, 2021 Belmont Media Center, Belmont MA

Andrew Knoll, Ph.D., Fisher Professor of Natural History; Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Emeritus, Harvard University.
Jan 31, 2022: Andrew Knoll awarded the 2022 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Professor Knoll appeared on this program earlier this year to discuss his newest book, A Brief History of Earth. However, there was not enough time to discuss his important comparison of the long history of Earth's natural catastrophes and extinctions with the catastrophes produced by humanity. This time the focus is specifically on that important comparison.

Professor Knoll has been a leader in demonstrating the connection between Earth’s geological and biological history. Today, an understanding of this relationship is necessary for everyone concerned about the plight of our planet. Dr. Knoll discusses his new book and how the geological-biological partnership has evolved over 4 billion years. He also addresses the need to understand the difference between the natural changes over time and those caused by climate change brought on by humans.

Professor Knoll’s research has focused on the interconnections between Earth’s geological development and evolution. He also serves on the science team for NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission to Mars.

Andrew Knoll has received numerous awards for his work, including the International Prize for Biology. His 2003 book, Life on a Young Planet won the Phi Beta Kappa Book Award. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the American Academy of Microbiology.

Harvard Magazine (May-June, 2021) Transitions Gradual and Cataclysmic: Andrew Knoll on the planet’s past—and fraught future