"This book presents a state-of-the-art overview of the role that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play as integral parts of the Earth System. While often characterised as the last great wilderness on Earth, Antarctica is intimately connected to the rest of the planet, exerting key influences on all places and all people. It is also vulnerable to global changes, especially those driven by us humans. This book examines how Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are connected to the rest of the planet, and what these connections mean for the future of Planet Earth and all its inhabitants. It transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries to explore this role across physical, ecological, political and social systems. Drawing on the latest research findings and thinking, the volume identifies the current leading-order challenges across each of these spheres, highlighting areas where enhanced focus is needed. With the role of Antarctica in the Earth System being one of the most relevant themes of our times, this book will help audiences to understand Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in a global perspective. Antarctica and the Earth System will be of great interest to a wide range of interdisciplinary students and scholars of Earth sciences, Antarctic studies, polar science and environmental management"-- Provided by publisher.