Polar Regions (Extreme Environments)

There is no place more remote than the Arctic and Antarctic, but their remoteness has not kept them isolated: Pollutants released in developed lands travel on air and water currents into the polar regions, the ozone hole has widened over Antarctica, and global warming is causing its greatest damage in the world's iciest locales. Along with an understanding of how human activities are changing the polar regions has come an appreciation of their importance in global climate, biological productivity, and biodiversity. ""Polar Regions"" is a crucial new book that explains how many scientists are providing forewarning of the changes that will come to the entire planet if society continues on its current trajectory. Featuring full-color photographs and illustrations, sidebars, suggestions for further reading, and Web sites, this book arms readers with the information necessary to take a stand in protecting our fragile planet.

Charles F. Gritzner is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography at South Dakota State University in Brookings. In 2010, he retired from teaching after a 50-year career during which he taught more than 70 different courses. Dr. Gritzner has served as both president and executive director of the National Council for Geographic Education and received the Council's highest honor, the George J. Miller Award for Distinguished Service to Geographic Education, as well as numerous other national teaching, service, and research recognitions from the NCGE, the Association of American Geographers, and other organizations.