The Emerald Planet Book Summary - The Emerald Planet Book explained in key points
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The Emerald Planet summary

David Beerling

How Plants Changed Earth's History

4.5 (42 ratings)
23 mins

Brief summary

The Emerald Planet by David Beerling explores the evolution of plants and their role in the Earth's ecosystems. It explains how plants have shaped the planet's climate and how humans rely on them for survival.

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    The Emerald Planet
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    Plants developed leaves to cope with a decrease in carbon dioxide, thereby kickstarting the evolution of animals and insects.

    From the hottest deserts to the coldest Arctic tundras, plants are everywhere. Their diversity is staggering – just compare the smallest dandelion to the tallest fir – but so, too, are their similarities. You probably know that nearly all plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy through a process called photosynthesis. And there’s one key evolutionary development that makes photosynthesis far more efficient: leaves. 

    The key message here is: Plants developed leaves to cope with a decrease in carbon dioxide, thereby kickstarting the evolution of animals and insects.

    The first plants were completely leafless – and for the first 40 million years of their history, they did just fine. For decades, this remained a mystery to scientists; even in evolutionary terms, this is a very long time. But the latest research reveals a missing piece of the puzzle: the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. 

    Plants absorb CO2 through tiny pores called stomata, located on the surface of their leaves. The number of these stomata varies with CO2 levels. When there’s plenty of it, plants don’t need quite so many pores. And when CO2 becomes more scarce, the number of stomata increases. 

    So plants are constantly adjusting to the changing environment. Older leaves can even communicate with younger ones, telling them how many stomata to make. And understanding stomata can explain how leaves evolved. 

    Approximately 375 million years ago, CO2 levels in the atmosphere plummeted. This meant that plants needed more stomata in their leaves to capture the same amount of CO2. As a result, their leaves got bigger. Plants adjusted to the new environment and became abundant. That, in turn, paved the way for an evolutionary boom of animal and insect species.

    But what brought about this dip in CO2 levels to begin with? Well, it’s plausible that plants themselves were responsible. Plants can disrupt what’s called the long-term carbon cycle – a process that manages the exchange of CO2 between rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere. 

    Fungi and the roots of plants actively removed CO2 from the atmosphere. As carbon dioxide levels continued to drop, plants needed ever bigger leaves. This set off a feedback loop, which spurred on the triumphant march of leafy plants across the planet. 

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    What is The Emerald Planet about?

    The Emerald Planet (2007) looks at the central role plants have played in shaping the planet and its environment. New research makes use of plants, both fossilized and living, to explain how the planet got where it is, and where it might go in the future. The Emerald Planet inspired a three-part BBC series called How to Grow a Planet.

    The Emerald Planet Review

    The Emerald Planet by David Beerling (2007) explores the fascinating history of plants and their impact on the Earth's climate. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Eye-opening insights: The book uncovers the vital role that plants have played in shaping the planet's climate throughout history.
    • Scientific rigor: Beerling's research is meticulous, backed by solid evidence, making it a reliable source of information for anyone interested in the environment.
    • Accessible language: Despite its scientific nature, the book is approachable and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand.

    Who should read The Emerald Planet?

    • Anyone interested in plant biology and paleobotany
    • People who want to learn more about ancient mass extinctions
    • Evolutionary science enthusiasts

    About the Author

    David Beerling is the Sorby Professor of Natural Sciences and Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation at the University of Sheffield, where he researches plant biology and global change. He’s also Editor in Chief of the Royal Society journal Biology Letters. Beerling has written two monographs and many scientific papers; his second book, Making Eden: How Plants Transformed a Barren Planet, was published in 2019. 

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    The Emerald Planet FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Emerald Planet?

    The main message of The Emerald Planet is to understand the crucial role that plants play in shaping Earth's climate and their potential for mitigating climate change.

    How long does it take to read The Emerald Planet?

    The estimated reading time for The Emerald Planet varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Emerald Planet a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Emerald Planet is worth reading as it sheds light on the importance of plants in maintaining our planet's climate. It offers valuable insights in an accessible manner.

    Who is the author of The Emerald Planet?

    The author of The Emerald Planet is David Beerling.

    What to read after The Emerald Planet?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Emerald Planet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • American Prometheus by Kai Bird & Martin J Sherwin
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    • How Not to Age by Michael Greger
    • Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
    • Brain Maker by Dr. David Perlmutter with Kristin Loberg
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