European forests may become unrecognizable due to the climate crisis, as the trees that make up them are at risk of extinction or relocation to the mountains. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Ca Foscari University and the National Center for Biodiversity in Italy. To work published In the scientific journal Frontiers in Forests and Global Change (FFGC).
The experts developed models of the distribution of tree species in five regions of Italy’s Apennines and Alps. They combined the data with climate change forecasts for two main scenarios: GHG emissions decreased in one and remained flat in the second. Based on the information received, experts developed land suitability maps for forest plantations until 2050.
The team found that due to the changing climate, the habitat range of most trees will shrink, while some species will benefit from warming and expand their range. First of all, this applies to European larch and Turkish oak. The most vulnerable species to climate change were silver fir and European beech.
Generally, the forest line will rise towards the mountains. It is also possible that some of the alpine meadows and other high mountain ecosystems will be lost due to the replacement of forests.
ancient scientists to solveIt is stated that more than 1.5 thousand coastal groves and swamps may be submerged due to global warming.