TRENDS IN ANTARCTIC TERRESTRIAL AND LIMNETIC ECOSYSTEMS: ANTARCTICA AS A GLOBAL INDICATOR

The Antarctic provides a suite of scenarios useful for investigating the range of climate change effects on terrestrial and limnetic biota. The international SCAR programme RiSCC (Regional Sensitivity to Climate Change in Antarctic Terrestrial and Limnetic Ecosystems) is investigating these scenarios with the goals of (1) understanding the likely response of Antarctic biota to changing climates, and (2) contributing to the development of broadly applicable theory concerning interactions between climate change, indigenous and introduced species, and ecosystem functioning. The programme draws upon both new and existing data.

The purpose of the book is to provide, based on the most up to date knowledge, a synthesis of the likely effects of climate change on Antarctic terrestrial and limnetic ecosystems and, thereby, to contribute to their management and conservation, based on the information.

"The book is described as "a milestone as it has collected the most actual facts about the Antarctic region and allows us to look at the phenomenon from physical and biological perspectives. It is a 'must' for all who are concerned about our environment." SCAR newsletter: Issue 10, April 2007

"A comprehensive yet accessible account of an ambitious and ultimately successful programme of research into the harsh environments of Antarctica. It provides an up to date account of how Antarctic terrestrial and limnetic environments are structured and their responses to regional and local climate changes. An essential book for those interested in polar regions ecology, in life at extremes and in the impact of rapid change on ecosystems."J.C. Ellis-Evans, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, UK

"This book is a much needed, and comprehensive evaluation of the global changes affecting the ice-free ecosystems of the Antarctic. This edited volume is extremely valuable for all scientists interested in understanding the impacts of global changes on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. The chapters within this volume present a comprehensive evaluation of a polar region undergoing rapid biodiversity and ecosystem change. This book is a significant addition and necessary reference for all scientists interested in the biodiversity and ecosystem changes occurring in land and freshwater ecosystems." Diana H. Wall, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

"The polar regions are most sensitive sites of our Planet. Already now we can recognize the signs of what we call Global Change. Experts, are needed who can explain the signals based on their research over extended periods of time in the area. This book is therefore a milestone as it has collected the most actual facts about the Antarctic region and allows us to look at the phenomenon from physical and biological perspectives. It is a "must" for all who are concerned about our environment." Ludger Kappen, Institute of Polar Ecology, University of Kiel, Germany

"This ... book, providing an outstanding summary of what has been achieved in the SCAR international research programme Regional Sensitivity to Climate Change in Antarctic Terrestrial and Limnetic Systems (RiSCC) and integrating this with earlier data. ... The book is a real mine of information almost completely free of spelling errors and well edited into a consistent style. ... I would strongly recommend it as a landmark volume in Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater research." (D. W. H. Walton, Antartic Science, Vol. 20, 2008)