ABSTRACT
Climate change is presumably one of the most growing challenges that the world is globally facing today. It is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, which refers to the changes over time in the average surface temperature of the earth and associated changes in its atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Growing studies suggest most of the climatic challenge over the last several decades is directly attributed to anthropogenic activities and the subsequent release of gases, notably methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O), responsible for global warming. The terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical processes have been found as key components of the earth’s climate system as they control atmospheric concentrations of notable greenhouse gases which exert a warming effect. Around half of the anthropogenic carbon emissions are being contained by terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, thereby, significantly reducing the footprint of CO2 gas in the atmosphere and limit the global climate challenge. Since microorganisms constitute an essential part for the sustenance of higher living forms in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, their role in global climatic change cannot be ignored. In this chapter, we have documented the crucial role and responses 40of microorganisms in climatic change and other human activities. Through the existing literature, attempts have been made to assess the underlying biogeochemical mechanisms by which microbes discharge and take up greenhouse gases. The ensuing effects as well as feedbacks in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems have also been documented. This chapter shall also underline the scope of better understanding of the role of microorganisms in climatic change for a sustainable future.
