The distribution and function of microorganisms are of crucial importance for the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Effects of microbial communities on the carbon and nitrogen cycles are particularly important for climate gases. These biogeochemical cycles are significantly impacted by global climate change and microbes may respond by accelerating or alleviating human-caused change. Understanding microbial ecology in the different ecosystems is essential for our ability to assess the importance of biogeochemical cycles-climate feedbacks.


In the first edition of this acclaimed book, a broad range of renowned scientists reviewed the most important hot-topics in the area of climate change and microbial ecology, thus providing a timely and authoritative overview of this increasingly important area. Climate change is continuing unabated and this new, expanded edition contains revised and updated chapters and the addition of four new chapters covering more of the topical fields in this important area of climate science.


This is an essential book for every microbial ecologist from the PhD student to the experienced scientist and is also recommended for everyone interested in the field of global climate change.