Terrestrial ecosystem composition and biodiversity are tightly linked to environmental factors, and there are concerns that they may be at risk from anthropogenic ozone pollution. IRET scientist Elena Paoletti and coauthors review widespread evidence that ozone pollution can affect key ecological processes and functions of terrestrial ecosystems and alter the diversity of plants, insects, and soil microorganisms.
They also identify areas of high endemic richness throughout the world that will also be at high ozone risk by the end of the century. These advances in our understanding of ozone pollution and its effects present new challenges for the preservation of terrestrial