This book is a clarion call to action for the recognition, understanding and future protection, some would say salvage, of the nation's natural capital, that is biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (at myriad scales). The context is the growing evidence of rapid and escalating climate change, which is already affecting Australian environments and biological systems. The book is a lengthy, detailed and authoritative compendium by several of Australia's leading researchers in the biological and environmental sciences, resources economics and social sciences.