Australia's unique biodiversity is under threat from a rapidly changing climate. Theeffects of climate change are already discernible at all levels of biodiversity - genes,species, communities and ecosystems. Many of Australia's most valued and iconic natural areas - the Great Barrier Reef, south-western Australia, the Kakadu wetlands and the Australian Alps - are amongthe most vulnerable. But much more is at stake than saving iconic species or ecosystems. Australia's biodiversity is fundamental to the country's national identity, economy and quality of life. In the face of uncertainty about specific climate scenarios, ecological andmanagement principles provide a sound basis for maximising opportunities forspecies to adapt, communities to reorganise and ecosystems to transform whilemaintaining basic functions critical to human society. This innovative approach tobiodiversity conservation under a changing climate leads to new challenges for management, policy development and institutional design. This book explores these challenges, building on a detailed analysis of the interactions between a changing climate and Australia's rich but threatened biodiversity. Australia's Biodiversity and Climate Change is an important reference for policymakers, researchers, educators, students, journalists, environmental andconservation NGOs, NRM managers, and private landholders with an interest inbiodiversity conservation in a rapidly changing world.
