The SPIEGEL-Bestseller book Wunderwerk Erde is a love poem to our planet

What makes Earth so unique? How did our planet come into being, how has it changed over the eons of time—and how does it function, both inside and out?

Wunderwerk Erde (Wonderwork Earth), published in German language, is an inspiring journey from the present day back to the planet’s very beginnings. It tells the story of ancient rocks that have preserved the memory of Earth’s transformation for billions of years, of ocean basins that open up and disappear into the depths of the planet, and of the natural climate system—whose deep-time history offers profound insights into the human-driven climate change of today.

In a clear and engaging way, geoscientist and climate researcher Dr. Christian Klepp unravels the complex interactions within Earth’s system and reveals how deeply intertwined rocks, atmosphere, water, life, and time truly are. Drawing on 25 years of research in climate and Earth system science—and on numerous expeditions to the most remote corners of the planet—he combines scientific depth with personal passion, offering a powerful and heartfelt call for greater respect for the Earth.

The book is accompanied by his striking photography—captured in moments of deep connection with nature, often planned over many years and realized with extraordinary patience. These images bring to light what science alone cannot always express: the beauty, depth, and fragility of our planet.

A book that inspires awe—and one that serves as a wake-up call. The human-driven transformation of our world is occurring at a pace that overwhelms natural balances. Earth doesn’t need us. But we need our planet—in all its functioning complexity. All the more reason to understand it, respect it, protect it—and love it.

With a foreword by Prof. Dr. Hartmut Graßl

Physicist, meteorologist, and climate scientist. Director emeritus of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg and the Meteorological Institute at the University of Hamburg.

Wunderwerk Erde is published in German language by Edel Books, released 5 November 2022. 352 pages. ISBN: ‎ 978-3841908155

SPIEGEL-Bestseller rank 12

The video trailer of the book Wunderwerk Earth