UnEarth Magazine.

Words by Isabelle Marsh, Art by Clodagh Earl.

Western civilization has long adhered to a linear view of time; where the past, present, and future are distinct, and progress is measured in human terms. This perspective has limited our understanding of history to human events, ignoring the rich history that unfolds in the natural world. However, there is a growing awareness that history extends far beyond the human realm and is intricately woven into the tapestry of Earth’s planetary history. Writers like Robert Macfarlane are at the forefront of this paradigm shift, bridging the gap between human and non-human life and encouraging us to rethink our conception of history. 

In his book “Underland” Robert Macfarlane takes us on a journey into the depths of the Earth, revealing hidden wonders and untold stories that have been buried for millennia. As we descend into the subterranean world, Macfarlane invites us to contemplate a concept that is as ancient as the rocks themselves: deep time. 

“For deep time is measured in units that humble the human instant: millennia, epochs and aeons, instead of minutes, months and years. Deep time is kept by rock, ice, stalactites, seabed sediments and the drift of tectonic plates. Seen in deep time, things come alive that seemed inert. New responsibilities declare themselves. Ice breathes. Rock has tides. Mountains rise and fall. We live on a restless Earth.”¹ 

Macfarlane’s “Underland” challenges us to go deeper, both literally and metaphorically. By delving into the Earth’s geological history, we are confronted with the vast expanse of deep time, a concept that encompasses billions of years. This perspective reminds us that our existence is just a fleeting moment in the grand narrative of Earth’s history. The rocks beneath our feet have witnessed countless climatic shifts, extinctions, and rebirths long before we ever appeared on the scene. It is in this profound exploration of deep time that we find a powerful and transformative way to address the climate crisis, one that shifts our perspective away from human-centric thinking and towards a more holistic understanding of our planet’s past, present, and future. The climate crisis is often framed as a human-made catastrophe, and rightfully so. Our actions, fueled by a relentless pursuit of progress and profit, have altered the Earth’s climate system at an unprecedented rate. However, this narrow focus on human impact can sometimes lead to a myopic view of the problem. It’s as if we are staring at the tip of an iceberg, while ignoring the massive structure beneath the surface. 

Macfarlane encourages us to delve into Earth’s geological history, where we can hear the tales told by rocks, mountains, and landscapes. These ancient witnesses bear testimony to a history that transcends human timescales, reminding us of our place within the grand narrative of the Earth. Incorporating non-human life and Earth’s planetary history into our understanding of history allows for a more holistic perspective. This expanded view challenges the notion of human exceptionalism and fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Macfarlane advocates for a dialogue between human and non-human life, urging us to listen to the stories told by the land, the trees, and the creatures that inhabit our planet. By doing so, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the historical richness of our world and a stronger commitment to preserving it.

When we grasp the enormity of deep time, our place in the universe becomes humbling. We are but a small, transient blip on the geological radar. This realization forces us to step out of our human-centric viewpoint and recognize that the Earth does not exist solely for our benefit. Instead, we are part of an intricate web of life and ecosystems that have evolved over eons. In the face of the climate crisis, this shift in perspective is crucial. Instead of seeing ourselves as masters of the Earth, we must acknowledge our role as stewards and caretakers. Our responsibility extends not only to future generations of humans but to all living beings and the planet itself. We are guardians of deep time, entrusted with the preservation of the intricate tapestry of life that has taken billions of years to weave.