Changing Ecosystems: Effects of Global Warming - Hardcover

Casper, Julie Kerr, Ph.D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816072639 ISBN 13: 9780816072637

Publisher: Facts on File, 2009

Synopsis

Changing Ecosystems looks at this serious issue and the far-reaching effects it is having right now, and will have in the future, on every ecosystem on Earth. It is crucial that readers understand the relevant issues now so they can prevent this problem before it is too late and many species and habitats are gone forever. By discussing the effects of global warming on ecosystems, this new volume enlightens students on the many ways they can become more eco-responsible now and in the future.

About this title

About the Author:

Julie Kerr Casper, Ph.D., has been an Earth scientist for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for nearly 30 years. BLM is one of the leading agencies in the U.S. dealing with environmental and natural resource issues. Besides job experience, she also has B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Earth science applications.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up—Making use of a large number of scientific studies and observations, Casper analyzes the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity. There is no question that animal patterns of behavior are being altered by the changing environment. The challenge is to understand what these changes mean for the future. The author addresses this question in Changing Ecosystems by examining boreal and tropical forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and Arctic and marine environments. Within each section, specific problems such as drought, fire, and the extermination of species are considered, as is the resulting economic impact. The concluding chapter addresses the possibility of adaptation by animal species and vegetation and the need for decisions by qualified policy makers working in conjunction with knowledgeable scientists. A lengthy section in Greenhouse Gases deals with carbon sequestration—a strategy of carbon-dioxide storage meant to mitigate global warming. Both the positive aspects and potential drawbacks are addressed. Valuable sidebars examine a variety of topics. A sobering concluding chapter focuses on mitigation and adaptation to global warming. Both volumes have lengthy chronologies, bibliographies, and lists of useful Web sites. Some of the illustrations are decorative, but the many charts and maps are useful. Students will find these volumes technical and complex, but beneficial to a full understanding of the current debate.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: Facts on File
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0816072639
• ISBN 13: 9780816072637
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 254