The Story of Earth's Climate in 25 Discoveries

In this enjoyable and deep account, Prothero uses fascinating lessons from geology and paleontology to explain and illustrate the important impacts that climate has had on life, and that life has had on climate in turn. The Story of Earth's Climate in 25 Discoveries is an excellent addition to the author's series on the 25 Discoveries concept. -- Bruce Lieberman, Dean’s Professor, Senior Curator in the Biodiversity Institute, and Director of the Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas
With his traditional clarity, organization, and experience, Prothero takes readers through the evolution of life and climate to illustrate why we are in trouble today. The stories of the lives of scientists and how they made their discoveries are interesting reading and an essential contribution. -- Gregory J. Retallack, author of Soil Grown Tall: The Epic Saga of Life from Earth
Delegates at COP28 continue their discussions on how to limit and make preparations for future climate change. These discussions, their success or failure will have consequences for all of humanity. Decisions made today will have implications for all future generations too. The publication of a new book that documents the history of our planet’s climate and its connection to life on Earth provides context and delivers a fresh perspective.

The Story of Earth’s Climate in 25 Discoveries is written by Donald R. Prothero. He is an incredibly talented American palaeontologist and geologist with a gift for communication. As adjunct professor of geological sciences at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona, California), the author is well qualified to explain the intimate connection between climate and life on Earth. However, unlike many scientists, Donald R. Prothero’s engaging writing style permits the general reader to understand and grasp sometimes difficult concepts. * Everything Dinosaur *
An excellent quick-fire guide . . . rich with concepts, stories, and characters. * New Scientist *
A clearly-written book that everyone should read. * Trilobite Tales *
In this lively and entertaining book, Donald R. Prothero explores the astonishing connections between climate and life through the ages, telling the remarkable stories of the scientists who made crucial discoveries. This timely book shows, is essential to grasping the gravity of how radically human activity is altering the climate today. * Yale Climate Connections *
A palaeoclimatology chronicle with character, this book successfully continues Prothero's approach of tackling earth science topics in 25 interesting chapters. * NHBS *
Informative… accessible and interesting. * The Inquisitive Biologist *
​Recommended. * Choice Reviews *
Meticulous [and] engaging. [Prothero] is a master of identifying, distilling, and connecting key developments... while presenting them in a personal and accessible manner. * The Quarterly Review of Biology *
Prothero explores the connections between climate and life through the ages, and shows what they teach us. * Climate & Capitalism *
The rich seam of scientific discovery throughout [this book] had me regaling friends with fascinating snippets long after I closed its pages. * Geoscientist *
An engaging and informative read. * H-Environment *