Greenhouse Planet: How Rising CO2 Changes Plants and Life as We Know It

Industrial civilization's carbon dioxide emissions have far-reaching consequences for life on Earth, affecting plant growth and affecting all life that depends on plants. Greenhouse Planet by Lewis H. Ziska explores the importance of plants for food, medicine, and culture, and how higher CO2 concentrations alter the systems on which humanity relies. He confronts the claim that CO2 is plant food, and explains how it affects various plant species, making some more poisonous, prolific, and flammable. The book is an indispensable resource for all readers interested in the ripple effects of increasing CO2.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Industrial civilization's release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has far-reaching effects on life on Earth, extending beyond climate change. The concentration of CO2 directly impacts plant growth, affecting all forms of life that rely on plants. This includes everything from crop yields to seasonal allergies and from wildfires to biodiversity.

Greenhouse Planet delves into the consequences of increased CO2 for plants, people, and ecosystems. Veteran plant biologist Lewis H. Ziska explores the vital role of plants in providing food, medicine, and culture, while also examining the complex ways in which higher CO2 concentrations alter the systems upon which humanity depends. He sheds light on the science behind how increased CO2 affects various plant species and addresses the politicization and misinformation surrounding these facts.

One of the misconceptions perpetuated by conservatives is the notion that "CO2 is plant food." While it is not entirely false, it is profoundly misleading. CO2 doesn't just promote the growth of "good" plants; it enhances the growth of all plants. It makes poison ivy more toxic, kudzu more prolific, and cheatgrass more flammable. CO2 stimulates some species more than others, with weeds thriving and becoming more difficult to control. While many crops grow more abundantly, they also tend to become less nutritious.

The consequences of climate change are expected to be severe, further amplifying the impacts of increased CO2. Greenhouse Planet is an essential book for all readers interested in understanding the ripple effects of rising CO2 levels. It provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the science behind this phenomenon, offering valuable insights into the future of our planet.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231206709