Terrestrial Biosphere Dynamics in the Climate System: Past and Future

Abstract

The terrestrial biosphere is one of the most critical and complex components of the climate system, regulating fluxes of energy, water and aerosols between the earth surface and atmosphere. The terrestrial biosphere also is central to the biogeochemistry of our planet, particularly with regard to the global carbon and nitrogen cycles. Prediction or assessment of future earth system change will always be limited, to some degree, by our ability to define how the terrestrial biosphere will respond to altered climatic forcing, and how this response will express itself as biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks. The terrestrial biosphere plays more central roles in the health of the planet via biodiversity and ecosystem services (i.e. benefits to society). The exact dimensions of these roles are difficult to define, but there is no doubt that a premium must be placed on maintaining biodiversity, as well as the health of ecosystems critical for human sustainability.