But a new book, Our Changing Planet: The View from Space, takes a wide-angle view of the dynamic globe.

NPR: Book Takes Wide-Angle View of a Changing Planet

It was called: 'Our Changing Planet'.

BBC: Climate chaos: Transcript

It is mankind and his activities that are changing the environment of our planet in damaging and dangerous ways.

BBC: Margaret Thatcher: How PM legitimised green concerns

This awareness of how the products we buy impact not only our own health, but also the health of our families, our communities, and the planet is changing what we expect out of the companies we buy from and the brands we choose.

FORBES: Creating Brands for the Future: One Woman's Quest for Sustainable Brands

But while we have readily and rightfully committed ourselves to understanding the cause of the spill, its effects and how to help restore the affected Gulf Coast region, we still can't seem to come to grips with a much more dangerous, far-reaching pollutant that is changing the fundamental chemistry of our entire planet: carbon dioxide.

CNN: What if carbon dioxide were as black as oil?

Whether leading multi-billion-dollar companies, governing countries, shaping the cultural fabric of our lives, or spearheading humanitarian initiatives, collectively these women are changing the planet in profoundly powerful and dynamic ways.

FORBES: The World's 100 Most Powerful (And Connected) Women

Only those with their heads buried deep in the sand can believe that climate change is not upon us and that fossil fuels are not changing this planet in ways that will make life difficult for our children and their children.

CNN: Cold snap beautiful--and ominous

Nations are at a crossroads "where if we recognize these major ways we are changing the planet and actively guide how we are making those changes, we can move our biosphere in directions we want it to, " Barnosky said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS