Review

"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)

From the Inside Flap

We all know that the Arctic is the canary in the coal mine of climate change, but that is only part of the story. In the Arctic we are about to see the fastest and biggest man-made change to planet Earth. A six-million-square-mile dome of pure, white winter ice - sixty-five times the area of Britain - will soon melt away each summer, creating a new and unknown sea.

In After the Ice, Alun Anderson reveals how the melting ice is now giving way to disputes over who controls the region. Oil, gas and mineral companies are searching for the new Arctic's wealth while its older indigenous people continue their long fight for control of their circumpolar lands. The top predator of the Arctic, the polar bear, will most likely vanish to be replaced by the killer whale and other creatures will also struggle to survive the coming change.

This compelling book brings together the scientists battling to understand Arctic change, the people and creatures that must adapt or die, the explorers seeking riches, and the politicians who must urgently create rules for this rapidly changing region. One thing is certain: it is too late to stop the Arctic taking revenge for the mistakes we have already made.