From the astonishing evolutionary advances of the Cambrian explosion to our present-day computing revolution, the trend of dramatic growth after periods of stability can be explained through the theory of the "adjacent possible," says theoretical biologist Stuart Kauffman. Tracing the arc of human history through the tools and technologies we've invented, he explains the impact human ingenuity has had on the planet -- and calls for a shift towards more protection for all life on Earth.

Stuart Kauffman: The "adjacent possible" — and how it explains human innovation

The "adjacent possible" — and how it explains human innovation

Innovation's pace accelerates as we create, cutting the wait for the next breakthrough in half, signaling an era of rapid advancement.

Harnessing soil's potential through the Johnson-Su composting method as a solution to global carbon emissions offers a hopeful future.

In the Cambrian explosion, rapid diversification of organisms shows nature's power to innovate, shaping the biosphere's future.