Ecological dynamics across the Arctic associated with recent climate change

Eric Post*, Mads C. Forchhammer, M. Syndonia Bret-Harte, Terry V. Callaghan, Torben R. Christensen, Bo Elberling, Anthony D. Fox, Olivier Gilg, David S. Hik, Toke T. Hoye, Rolf A. Ims, Erik Jeppesen, David R. Klein, Jesper Madsen, A. David McGuire, Soren Rysgaard, Daniel E. Schindler, Ian Stirling, Mikkel P. Tamstorf, Nicholas J. C. TylerRene van der Wal, Jeffrey Welker, Philip A. Wookey, Niels Martin Schmidt, Peter Aastrup

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

    979 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, we take stock of the ecological consequences of recent climate change in the Arctic, focusing on effects at population, community, and ecosystem scales. Despite the buffering effect of landscape heterogeneity, Arctic ecosystems and the trophic relationships that structure them have been severely perturbed. These rapid changes may be a bellwether of changes to come at lower latitudes and have the potential to affect ecosystem services related to natural resources, food production, climate regulation, and cultural integrity. We highlight areas of ecological research that deserve priority as the Arctic continues to warm.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1355-1358
    Number of pages4
    JournalScience
    Volume325
    Issue number5946
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 11 Sept 2009

    Keywords

    • PLANT COMMUNITY RESPONSES
    • NORTHEAST GREENLAND
    • TUNDRA
    • CARBON
    • POPULATION
    • ECOSYSTEMS
    • VEGETATION
    • FEEDBACKS
    • IMPACTS
    • TEMPERATURES

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