Ecosystem Collapse and Climate Change

Human-driven greenhouse emissions are increasing the velocity of climate change and the frequency and intensity of climate extremes far above historical levels. These changes, along with other human-perturbations, are setting the conditions for more rapid and abrupt ecosystem dynamics and collapse.

This book presents new evidence on the rapid emergence of ecosystem collapse in response to the progression of anthropogenic climate change dynamics that are expected to intensify as the climate continues to warm. Discussing implications for biodiversity conservation, the chapters provide examples of such dynamics globally covering polar and boreal ecosystems, temperate and semi-arid ecosystems, as well as tropical and temperate coastal ecosystems.

Given its scope, the volume appeals to scientists in the fields of general ecology, terrestrial and coastal ecology, climate change impacts, and biodiversity conservation.

Josep G. Canadell is a chief research scientist at the Climate Science Centre of the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, and the executive director of the Global Carbon Project, a global network of scientists that studies and integrates knowledge of greenhouses gases for human activities and the Earth System.

Rob Jackson is the Douglas Provostial Professor in Stanford’s Department of Earth System Science and Chair of the Global Carbon Project. Both scientists have spent decades documenting greenhouse gas emissions and how ecosystems are changing in response to climate and an altered atmosphere and environment.