John S. Compton

I am an earth scientist professor at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. I have a passion for writing about Earth – our understanding of its deep history and our relationship with it. Earth is big, it is ancient and it is dynamic. From an early age my parents instilled in me an appreciation for the natural world. I have enjoyed teaching university students over the past 30 years on many aspects of Earth, providing them with a deeper understanding, a broader and more inclusive, interconnected sense of our planet. My writings attempt to convey the same to the general public. I believe that a greater appreciation for Earth not only enhances our experience of being a part of it, but makes us better stewards of our one and only home.