During the 20th century, our species embarked on unprecedented technological initiatives in an attempt to control nature. By creating riverbank levees, massive agricultural units with monocultures, and other large-scale constructions, we are still trying to reshape nature based solely on our own needs – to such an extent that it seems we may ultimately destroy it.

In this book, biologist Rob Dunn argues that nothing could be further from the truth: instead of wondering whether nature will survive us, it would be better to ask whether we will survive it. Despite our best – or worst – efforts to control the biological world, life has its own rules, which no human intervention can change.

By shedding ample light on several fundamental laws of ecology, evolution, and biogeography, Dunn shows us why life cannot be suppressed by anyone. We organize our crops in fields with only one species, only to discover that a new form of life has already emerged and is attacking them. We dispose of our toxic waste and immediately see that it has been colonized by various microorganisms. Even in the London Underground, we have seen a new species of mosquito capable of exploiting its seemingly inhospitable environment.

Life will not be suppressed by even our most perfected plans. On the contrary, Dunn explains that what is truly at stake is our own future. The Natural History of the Future sets entirely new standards for understanding the diversity of life on our planet, as well as the destiny of our own human species.