A group of 42 European experts has warned of a “catastrophic collapse of the UK’s forest ecosystem” within the next 50 years due to a number of factors. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Forestry.
“The next 50 years will bring huge changes to UK forests. “They will consider the threats they face, the way we manage them and the benefits they bring to society,” said Eleanor Tew, lead author of the paper and head of forest planning at Forestry UK.
Scientists have compiled a list of 30 landmarks and 15 key issues that could have the biggest impact on woodlands in the UK in the coming years.
The majority of the study’s authors (64%) named the collapse of the UK’s forest ecosystems as the biggest threat in the next 50 years, with 88% of experts ranking this possibility in the top three adverse events that could affect UK forests in the future. .
Droughts caused by climate change pose the biggest threat to Britain’s forests, according to a report. Water scarcity can lead to competition for the valuable resource between natural areas and settlements.
Viral tree diseases and the spread of pests were also identified as significant concerns.
But not all emerging challenges are threats; Some may open the door to new opportunities. For example, experts think that green areas should be included more actively in urban planning, which will erase the boundaries between cities and rural areas.
Previous scientists warned About the spread of “zombie forests” in the western United States due to climate change.