Ice Humanities: Living, Working, and Thinking in a Melting World

Ice humanities is a collection of essays that explores the existential crisis caused by the planet's diminishing ice reserves, emphasizing the societal and cultural implications of this change. It argues that the centrality of ice in human and non-human life is now impossible to ignore and provides a compelling case for the emerging field of ice humanities. The book is relevant to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate action.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Ice humanities is a groundbreaking collection of essays that delves into the profound existential crisis brought about by the rapidly diminishing ice reserves on our planet. By the end of this century, we can expect a world where sea ice formation becomes unreliable in vast regions of the Arctic Ocean, glaciers have completely vanished, ice sheets collapse, and permafrost becomes far from permanent. The consequences of such a dramatic shift extend far beyond geophysical and biochemical realms. They encompass societal and cultural dimensions, touching upon the values and losses we face.

This transformation also raises crucial questions about the legacy of our inherited ideas, knowledge, and experiences related to ice, snow, frost, and frozen ground. How will human, animal, and plant communities, which have evolved to thrive in cold and high environments, adapt to a world with less or even no ice? The ecological services provided by ice are awe-inspiring, supporting mobility, water, and food security for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly Indigenous and vulnerable communities. The stakes could not be higher.

To address these pressing concerns, the ice humanities collection draws upon a diverse range of sources, including oral testimony and technical scientific expertise. Through compelling arguments and compelling evidence, it establishes the emerging field of ice humanities, making a strong case for the centrality of ice in human and non-human life. This book is highly relevant to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action, as it underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and action to address the challenges posed by climate change.

In conclusion, ice humanities is a vital and pioneering work that sheds light on the existential crisis facing our planet due to the diminishing ice reserves. By exploring the societal, cultural, and ecological implications of this change, it offers a path forward for understanding and addressing the challenges we face in a rapidly changing world. Through its compelling arguments and rich insights, this collection contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate change and its impact on human and natural systems.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526157775