Members of the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Geophysical Union met late last year to discuss an important, under-recognized issue: the role of microbes in climate change. Microbes form the backbone of every ecological system on Earth by controlling the cycling of elements essential for life, such as carbon and nitrogen, through the biosphere. As part of these cycles, microbes produce and consume heat-trapping gases, also known as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide). While scientists have been studying microbial ecosystems for many years, there is still much more to learn about how microbes are mediating and responding to changes in the Earth’s climate, including their role in global carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Following discussions at the meeting, representatives from the two societies issued a report and frequently asked questions document titled “Microbes and Climate Change.” The information in the report reflects current understanding of microbes and our changing climate. The report addresses impacts in three areas: terrestrial polar regions; soil, agriculture, and freshwater; and oceans. This report also covers gaps and priorities within each of these domains and suggested further research avenues in these areas to better integrate earth, ocean and microbiological sciences.
Several current and past Moore Foundation grantees, including researchers from our Marine Microbiology Initiative, participated in the convening and development of the report. They include: Mary Ann Moran, Liz Kujawinski and Heidi Sosik at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute; John Spear at USC; Andy Allen at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography; Penny Chisholm at MIT; Paul Falkowski at Rutgers University; David Karl at the University of Hawaii; Jennifer Martiny at the University of California at Irvine; Jennifer Pett-Ridge at Oregon State University; Margaret McFall-Ngai now at the University of Hawaii, who also serves on the American Academy of Microbiology board of governors; and program director of the foundation's Marine Microbiology Initiative, Jon Kaye.
The American Academy of Microbiology is the honorific branch of the American Society for Microbiology, a nonprofit scientific society with nearly 48,000 members. Fellows of the academy have been elected by their peers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the microbial sciences. Through its colloquium program, the academy draws on the expertise of these fellows to address critical issues in the microbial sciences.
The American Geophysical Union galvanizes a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advances and communicates science and its power to ensure a sustainable future. The AGU is dedicated to the furtherance of the Earth and space sciences and to communicating our science’s ability to benefit humanity.
Read more on the convening and report in a story from the AGU.
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