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Boreal ecosystems contain one-third of the world's forests and stored carbon, but these regions are under increasing threat from both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Written by leaders from the forefront of private, public and academic sectors, Restoration and Reclamation of Boreal Ecosystems emphasises a broad, conceptual approach to the specific application of empirical research into development planning, restoration and modelling of these ecosystems. The importance of this is highlighted at a time of global climate change, as these ecosystems act as carbon sinks. There is a focus on the reclamation of exploited ecosystems from a holistic standpoint, ranging from environmental and edaphic variables to the restoration of keystone flora. Recent advances in quantification of ecosystem services, such as habitat suitability and carbon storage modelling, are also detailed. The book contains case-studies which address how both historical and novel assemblages can provide ecosystem stability under projected climatic and land-use scenarios.

While tropical rainforests have received much conservation attention and support for their protection, temperate and boreal rainforests have been largely overlooked. Yet these ecosystems are also unique, supporting rainforest communities rich in plants and wildlife and containing some of the most massive trees on Earth. Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World brings together leading scientists from around the world to describe the ecology and conservation of these lesser-known rainforests in an attempt to place them on par with tropical rainforests in conservation efforts. The book summarizes major scientific findings presents new computer models that were used to standardize rainforest definitions identifies regions previously not widely recognized as rainforest provides the latest estimates on rainforest extent and degree of protection explores conservation strategies The book ends with a summary of the key ecological findings and outlines an ambitious vision of how we can conserve and manage the planet's remaining temperate and boreal rainforests in a truly ecological way that is better for nature, the climate, and ultimately our own welfare. Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is a call to action for an accord to protect the world's rainforests. It offers a global vision rooted in ecological science but written in common language useful for governments, decision makers, and conservation groups concerned about the plight of these remarkable forests.

Encircling the northern hemisphere like a giant green halo, the Boreal forest plays a crucial role in protecting us from global warming. Its peat bogs absorb carbon dioxide and purify the air we breathe. But the forest is disappearing.Veteran journalist and author Daniel Gawthrop reveals the array of wildlife, plants and peoples of the Boreal forest. He exposes the logging, mining, oil and gas extraction, and manufacturing that are devastating the forest from Canada to Siberia and turning it from the world's largest absorber of carbon dioxide into a producer of carbon dioxide.As dire as the situation is, it is not too late. Gawthrop introduces the strategies that are driving sustainable development. As well, he appraises the most promising solutions to date, including co-management--a combination of traditional knowledge and modern science--and ecosystem-based forest use, which emphasizes small-scale forestry.