Smol, J.P. 2023. Lakes in the Anthropocene: Reflections on tracking ecosystem change in the Arctic. Excellence in Ecology. Book 30. International Ecology Institute: Oldendorf/Luhe, Germany. ISBN 978-3-946729-30-3. 438 p. € 50

Abstract

In 2015, John Smol was honored with the International Ecology Institute Prize. With this prize, the sustained high performance of outstanding research ecologists is acknowledged, and prize recipients are invited, or are rather expected, to write a book. “Lakes in the Anthropocene” is the product of this distinguished honor. Smol chose to seize this opportunity to reflect on and retell his limnological and paleolimnological research in the Arctic. As the subtitle indicates, this book is a collection of reflections on John Smol's journey through 35+ years of Artic lake research. In 13 chapters and 438 pages, John Smol not only takes the reader on a journey through his research in the Arctic but also gives personal insights on challenges, tells anecdotes, and elaborates on the value of collaborative research. He manages to share his fascination, love, respect, and most of all dedication to the Arctic and the people associated with Arctic waters with the reader. Plenty of original photos make this journey very much tangible and palpable.

The initial four chapters may be viewed as an introductory section, providing readers with the foundation necessary to contextualize the remainder of the book. After a short, general introduction to the Arctic and the Anthropocene (Chapter 1), Smol provides a brief history of pioneers in Arctic limnology (Chapter 2). These range from earliest Canadian expeditions to the Arctic, to research in times of the Cold War, and the Char Lake Project. In Chapter 3, from his viewpoint as a paleolimnologist, John Smol describes the main approaches used in paleolimnology and points to questions research can answer by working with lake sediment cores. While methodological chapters can often motivate little excitement, Smol's passion achieves the opposite and inspires the reader to explore paleolimnological approaches themselves. As this book is exploring Lakes in the Anthropocene, climate change is a recurring topic throughout the book. In Chapter 4, Smol revisits some of his research that demonstrates why Arctic lakes are on the forefront of climate change.

The ensuing five chapters delve into the repercussions at the local level. In Chapter 5, the reader is taken on a brief excursion through the impacts of early Indigenous people on the Arctic. This chapter also highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary, collaborative, and cross-cultural work in advancing science. With this scene set, he elaborates further on the value of Indigenous knowledge. In Chapter 6, Smol exemplifies how using Indigenous knowledge in combination with paleolimnological approaches can reconstruct the frequency of extreme events. In this chapter, he shifts the focus away from the gradual change we often observe in the Anthropocene and focusses instead on extreme weather events. Here, while the focus of Smol's research is on the lake ecosystems in the Arctic, he points to societal consequences. With Artic Indigenous communities relying on Arctic ecosystems, not only the ecosystems but also the Northern peoples are at the forefront of climate change. Chapter 7 is dedicated to permafrost, the thawing of which he describes as one of the most serious repercussions of climate change. Once more, he articulates the significance of research, elucidating its contribution not solely to our comprehension of the ecosystem but also to a broader benefit, encompassing insights into landscapes and implications for societies. Chapter 8 explores growing environmental challenges and takes us from ice roads to highways and from waste disposal to cultural eutrophication. Having started to prepare the reader that the Arctic is not just a landscape of pristine ecosystems, Chapter 9 explores the impacts of growing industries in the North, particularly mining, on aquatic ecosystems.

In these 13 chapters, John Smol shows the unifying power of lake sediment. From answering core limnological questions, to helping understand societal challenges, and informing neighboring disciplines. The overarching theme revolves around the role of lake sediments as repositories of change. By delving into the past, we gain insights that can enlighten our understanding of the future. “Lakes in the Anthropocene” will have a wide appeal.

It is for colleagues who would like to get inspired to pursue paleolimnological approaches or whose research focusses on environmental change or the Arctic. As a personal recollection, enriched with a multitude of photographs and detailed accounts of historical events, this book, in my opinion, extends beyond a scientific audience, embracing a wider readership. Everyone, with a general interest in ecology, our environment, geology, or the Artic will enjoy reading the book. As a new faculty member, this book, along with John Smol's dedicated insights, has left me inspired. I highly recommend reading it.