After the Ice: Life, Death and Politics in the New Arctic - Tapa dura

"A clear and chilling account of the science of the Arctic and a gripping glimpse of how the future may turn out there" (The Economist)

"In the rapidly defrosting Arctic north, a new world is being born. As the vanishing domain of the polar bear instead becomes that of the oil driller, Alun Anderson paints a vivid and unique portrait of a fascinating region whose future will be very different from its past." (Mark Lynas)

"Anyone wanting to understand the realities underlying the recent explosion of dramatic and often scary headlines about developments in the Arctic should obtain a copy of this book immediately and read it from cover to cover. Alun Anderson has produced a well-informed, timely, accessible, and above all balanced account of the interactive changes that are leading to the emergence of a 'new Arctic'." (Oran R. Young, Professor, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California)

"Even as climate change opens up the Arctic, so this book opens up our minds to dramatic developments in that part of the world - economic, geopolitical and environmental. Based on meticulous research and personal "witness", After the Ice is a "must read" for anyone interested in what has now become the epicentre of climate science and climate politics." (Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future and Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission)

"In After the Ice, Alun Anderson, former editor of New Scientist, has made a heroic effort to understand the science of the region. Parts of his wise book will interest only the thriving new species of Arctic wonks - but Anderson does address what should be the world's great concern." (Simon Kuper Financial Times)

We all now know that the arctic is the canary in the coal mine of climate change, but that is only part of the story. As Alun Anderson reveals in this fascinating book, the melting snow and ice are now giving way to a much bigger story of battles over vast deposits of gas, oil and minerals, arguments over control of new sea lanes and disputes over access to huge new, untapped fisheries in rich, warming seas. The arctic has become a new frontier, where the future wealth and power of northern nations - including Britain - is being fought out today.

From the titanium Russian flag that now sits on the sea bed beneath the North Pole to disagreements over where Greenland starts and ends, this is a topic that is only going to become more important. This compelling book reveals the full story of what is happening today in this most important of regions and what needs to be done to preserve it for all humanity - but also shows how the arctic will have its own revenge if we're unable to find a solution now.