Critical issues for understanding global change effects on terrestrial ecosystems

Abstract

The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), which was initiated by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) in 1986, has undertaken to develop a research plan to address a predictive understanding of how terrestrial ecosystems will be impacted by global changes in the environment and the potential feedbacks. The IGBP science plan, which incorporates established Core Projects and activities related to research on terrestrial ecosystem linkages to global change, includes the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project, the Biospheric Aspects of the Hydrological Cycle; the Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems; Global Analysis, Integration, and Modelling; IGBP Data and Information System; and IGBP Regional Research Centers. The coupling of research and policy communities for the purpose of developing mechanisms to adapt to these impending changes urgently needs to be established. -from Authors Show more