ABSTRACT
The approach taken by scientists to predict future climate is through modelling. This is a very complex process that involves identifying those processes which control our climate and then trying to model what happens, using basic mathematical and physical equations. The impacts of global warming on the biosphere have aroused much interest among biogeographers because the changes are likely to be so dramatic and far-reaching. This chapter discusses three aspects. First there is the direct impact of increased temperature and carbon dioxide on photosynthesis and plant growth, i.e. net primary productivity (NPP). Second, there are predictions for the changing distributions of biomes and ecosystems, and the changing ranges of individual species. Third, efforts are being made to build up large data sets of environmental parameters and biological taxa (e.g. trees, insects, birds, mammals) in order to monitor better any changes in ecosystem composition over time.
