Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
from one biosphere reservoir to another, be it soil carbon, oceans, wetlands and so
forth, via the atmosphere. Reducing atmospheric carbon is difficult but in part might
be achieved through the translocation of ecosystems based on climate projections
together with Earth system considerations. This will not involve just forestation, but
requires us to assist climate change-driven ecosystem change and succession. This is
in contrast to maintaining ecosystems in their present locations in the manner of their
current
natural potential, which is the basis for much current ecosystem management
(conservation). This is using biological systems to manage the cascade of carbon
across the CIE event on which we are now embarked (irrespective of the triggering of
any initial Eocene analogue) so as to help regulate the atmospheric carbon dioxide.
It must be emphasised that this is not referring to forestation per se as we could plant
many forests today only to see some of them release their carbon tomorrow as the
world warms and biomes shift.
However, species translocation is not only controversial in itself (for some very
good reasons, such as the unforeseen ecological impact of invasive species): some
current ecosystems that might be considered for such management have international
conservation status. Yet can we continue as we are and should we ignore ecological
ways to manage the global carbon cycle? Such questions have so far largely been
avoided but perhaps we need to start seriously considering them. Eventually, as climate
change progresses, it is likely that policy-makers will start asking such questions and
ecologists will be expected to provide the answers. Surely now is the time to start the
debate in earnest. Here, the learned ecological societies across the world are among
those best placed (but not the sole players) to facilitate this dialogue.
These are just two personal thoughts that I present to you for consideration. It is
likely that a number, if not many, reading this topic are either already professionally
in place to take forward discussion of one or other of these points, or will be so in the
future (for instance, today's students
1
). I leave it up to you.
1
To facilitate any online discussion I will post this appendix as a page to which you can link. Just search
online for this appendix's title.
