Wetlands and grassland are important components of natural ecosystems, which have rich values in maintaining ecological balance, regional economy and human development. Wetlands can provide freshwater resources and food sources for human beings, purify the water environment and mitigate climate change. The grassland ecosystem has such ecological functions as windbreak, sand fixation, soil preservation, climate regulation, air purification, water conservation and so on, which are closely related to human survival and well-being. In recent years, climate change and human activities have caused a profound impact on the structure and function of wetland and grassland ecosystems, and the problems of decline in size and function have attracted extensive attention from researchers globally. However, there are still many uncertainties about the variety of wetland and grassland ecosystem composition, structure and dynamics, as well as how they respond and adapt to climate change and human activities.

Cover Image taken by Topic Editor Jianghua Wu

The Chinese government is increasingly focusing on ecological construction and has subscribed to a national “Ecological Civilization Construction”. Ecological research and protection practice develop so fast and achieve a lot at the national agenda.This book is a synthesis of five most exciting and dominant themes in contemporary ecological research in China: biodiversity, ecosystem management, degraded ecosystem restoration, global change and sustainable development.This book spans all the Earth's major ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, farmland and cities.This book provides a platform for scientific research across a variety of disciplines. It will be invaluable to experts, policymakers and local officers and will also be a highly useful resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students.This book will allow researchers, students and policymakers outside China to learn about the significant achievements and applications of ecological research within China.