As Alun Anderson reveals in this fascinating book, the melting snow and ice are now giving way to a much bigger story of battles over vast deposits of gas, oil and minerals, arguments over control of new sea lanes and disputes over access to huge new, untapped fisheries in rich, warming seas.

"A clear and chilling account of the science of the Arctic and a gripping glimpse of how the future may turn out there" * The Economist *"In the rapidly defrosting Arctic north, a new world is being born. As the vanishing domain of the polar bear instead becomes that of the oil driller, Alun Anderson paints a vivid and unique portrait of a fascinating region whose future will be very different from its past." * Mark Lynas *"Anyone wanting to understand the realities underlying the recent explosion of dramatic and often scary headlines about developments in the Arctic should obtain a copy of this book immediately and read it from cover to cover. Alun Anderson has produced a well-informed, timely, accessible, and above all balanced account of the interactive changes that are leading to the emergence of a 'new Arctic'." * Oran R. Young, Professor, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California *"Even as climate change opens up the Arctic, so this book opens up our minds to dramatic developments in that part of the world - economic, geopolitical and environmental. Based on meticulous research and personal "witness", After the Ice is a "must read" for anyone interested in what has now become the epicentre of climate science and climate politics." * Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the Future and Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission *"In After the Ice, Alun Anderson, former editor of New Scientist, has made a heroic effort to understand the science of the region. Parts of his wise book will interest only the thriving new species of Arctic wonks - but Anderson does address what should be the world's great concern." -- Simon Kuper * Financial Times *