Eat, Poop, Die

Eat, Poop, Die by Joe Roman is an eye-opening journey through the hidden yet essential processes that govern life on our planet. From the sweeping plains of the American Midwest to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, Roman explores the crucial roles that animals play in the cycle of nutrients and how their everyday activities shape our world in profound and often unseen ways. More than just an exploration of nature, this book is a compelling narrative that connects the dots between ecosystems and global environmental health, providing insights that have the potential to transform our understanding of the natural world.

If forests are the lungs of the planet, then animals migrating across oceans, streams, and mountains—eating, pooping, and dying along the way—are its heart and arteries, pumping vital nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from deep-sea gorges to the highest mountain peaks, from the Arctic to the Caribbean. This "conveyor belt" of life-sustaining elements is essential for the survival of ecosystems worldwide. Without it, the world would look very different.

While the dynamics of our physical world—such as atmospheric chemistry, geothermal forces, plate tectonics, and erosion through wind and rain—have been studied for decades, less glamorous forces like rotting carcasses and deposited faeces have often been overlooked. The simple truth is that pooping and peeing are daily rituals for almost all animals, forming the ellipses of ecology that flow through life. We eat, we poop, and we die.

What makes Eat, Poop, Die particularly compelling is Roman's ability to weave scientific facts into an engaging narrative. From the volcanoes of Iceland to the tropical waters of Hawaii and beyond, he takes readers on an exhilarating global adventure, revealing the remarkable ways in which the most basic biological activities of animals make and remake the world. This book shines a light on the overlooked yet vital processes that sustain life on Earth.

Through vivid storytelling and rigorous research, Roman demonstrates how a deeper understanding of these natural cycles can provide us with opportunities to undo the environmental damage humanity has inflicted. Eat, Poop, Die is not just a book about biology; it's a call to recognise the interconnectedness of all living things and the delicate balance that sustains our planet.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a science buff, or someone concerned about the environment, Eat, Poop, Die offers a fresh perspective on the natural world. It's a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of ecological processes and their impact on our global climate.