Changing climate and microbial resources in polar realms

Abstract

The current climate changes that we are experiencing is attributable to both natural and man made causes. Either way it would be pertinent to be able to assess the impact at various levels to help us prepare for the consequences to a certain extent. Though the effect of these changes are obvious at the higher trophic levels, it is only subtle and far reaching at the microbial level. Microorganisms are the main affecters, respondents and catalysts of these changes. More importantly, they are a source of a varied compounds with wide ranging applications in many fields. It would be pertinent to examine their role in polar climate and appreciate the products that are already being harnessed from these regions. Then it would be possible to chalk out means and ways we could preserve these sources and then think about the policy of sharing these future commons. My talk would mostly restrict to the first half