ASICS explores the impact of climate change and biological invasions on biodiversity in cold environments like polar and alpine regions. By studying species’ physiological adaptations, redistribution, and ecosystem interactions, the project aims to predict and mitigate biodiversity loss. Through experimental approaches, long-term data, and modeling, ASICS seeks to provide tools for environmental management and policy, focusing on risk assessments and strategies to address invasive species and climate-related habitat changes.
Read more about the project here.
IN THE COMIC >
In Tides of Change, ASICS shows that the effects of global change and increased global connectivity facilitate the arrival and establishment of new species in cold environments. A growing number of non-indigenous invertebrates, plants, and vertebrate species have now colonized these environments, profiting from increased human-related disturbances. They are increasingly outcompeting indigenous species thanks to their life strategies adapted to opportunistic change, disturbances, and warmer climates. Yet, despite the fact that we might be at a crucial moment in time to save this unique cold-climate biodiversity, we only have a limited understanding of the extent and impacts of both climate-related range shifts and biological invasions in cold regions. There is better scientific knowledge in temperate regions. Studying and managing such events is needed to assist strategic thinking to tackle the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
