{
  "id": 38148,
  "title": "'The apparent chaos of the Anthropocene is turbocharging evolution itself': Plants are finding ways to survive and thrive in the climate crisis — if we let them",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/the-apparent-chaos-of-the-anthropocene-is-turbocharging-evolution",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/the-apparent-chaos-of-the-anthropocene-is-turbocharging-evolution-itself-plants-are-finding-ways-to-survive-and-thrive-in-the-climate-crisis-if-we-let-them"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ongoing climate crisis is proving to be a catalyst for evolution, as plants and other organisms adapt and thrive in the face of environmental change, according to journalist Fred Pearce in his book \"Despite it All\" (Granta, 2026). Pearce's work, which has been shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize, emphasizes the remarkable resilience of nature and the importance of embracing the natural processes of adaptation and innovation.\n\nHe argues that biodiversity assessments often overlook the value of invasive species and other \"alien\" organisms that may contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. In Britain, for example, official records show a decline in biodiversity, even though the total number of species is actually increasing when gains from new species are accounted for. This discrepancy highlights a fundamental issue in how we measure and value biodiversity.\n\nRather than trying to eradicate all invasive species, which may have beneficial ecological roles, Pearce suggests that we should recognize the value of novel ecosystems that include both native and non-native species. These ecosystems can interact with other species, pollinate, and contribute to the overall diversity and health of the environment. Examples of \"outlaw plants\" that have shaped human civilization, such as crops and medicines, demonstrate the potential for non-native species to have positive impacts on both the environment and human well-being.\n\nEnvironmental scientist Erle Ellis, who runs the Anthroecology Lab at the University of Maryland, argues that most of the planet has been heavily influenced by human activity for thousands of years, including areas often considered untouched, such as the Amazon. This perspective challenges the romantic notion of a pristine natural order and highlights the long history of human-nature interaction. By embracing the potential of wastelands, abandoned fields, and other human-altered landscapes, we may uncover new opportunities for biodiversity and ecological resilience.",
  "summary": "The article from Live Science discusses the unexpected benefits of biodiversity loss due to climate change, highlighting the resilience of plants and the establishment of new species in altered environments. Author Fred Pearce argues that we should accept the \"ecological catch-22\" and embrace novel ecosystems containing both native species and opportunistic interlopers, as they can interact and benefit the environment. Ecologist Chris Thomas emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and not rejecting species that do not meet our expectations, as this can lead to an increase in total biodiversity.",
  "key_points": [
    "Climate crisis accelerates evolution in plants and organisms.",
    "Biodiversity assessments miss value of invasive species.",
    "Recognize novel ecosystems with native and non-native species."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Science",
        "title": "'The apparent chaos of the Anthropocene is turbocharging evolution itself'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/the-apparent-chaos-of-the-anthropocene-is-turbocharging-evolution",
        "published": "2026-08-03T11:03:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}