Global Biodiversity in a Changing Environment: Scenarios for the 21st Century: 152 (Ecological Studies)

Book Details

• Author: Chapin, F. Stuart

• Brand: Springer

• Edition: Softcover reprint of the original 1st edition (2001)

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 378

• Release Date: 09-08-2001

• ISBN: 9780387952864

• Package Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book

"Future Scenarios of Global Biodiversity" by F. Stuart Chapin presents an integrated examination of the interconnectedness between biodiversity and environmental change. The book addresses two crucial concerns raised by the scientific community:

1. Changes in the physical environment—including climate, oceans, and air chemistry, primarily studied by climatologists and oceanographers.

2. The extinction of species and conservation—the primary focus of environmental biologists.

Chapin highlights the mutual dependence of these concerns, with evidence that changes in biodiversity have both responded to and caused changes in Earth's physical environment. The book is structured around ten key terrestrial biomes and freshwater ecosystems, providing a broad understanding of global environmental change. It presents comprehensive scenarios of biodiversity changes for the twenty-first century, using insights from global environmental science and conservation biology.

By integrating these two major fields, this work is a valuable resource for regional assessments and is essential for guiding research and future policy in the context of the Global Biodiversity Convention.

This book is of particular interest to researchers, policy-makers, and students focusing on the changing environment of the Earth, the impact of biodiversity loss, and conservation strategies.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Scenarios: Provides the first comprehensive scenarios of biodiversity changes for the twenty-first century.

• Interconnectedness: Explores how changes in biodiversity are intertwined with changes in physical environmental factors.

• Focus on Terrestrial Biomes & Freshwater Ecosystems: Delves into ten terrestrial biomes and freshwater ecosystems and their responses to global change.

• Global Environmental Change: Combines earth sciences with conservation biology to present an integrated view of environmental change.

• Target Audience: Researchers, policy-makers, and students involved in biodiversity, environmental science, and conservation policy.

Review

"Future Scenarios of Global Biodiversity" is a pioneering work that bridges the gap between physical earth science and conservation biology, offering valuable insights into the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss. Chapin’s approach not only highlights the challenges posed by global environmental changes but also provides a foundational framework for regional assessments and policy planning. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a holistic view of the world’s ecosystems and the future of global biodiversity in the face of unprecedented environmental changes.