This report collates and synthesizes much of the current information and scientific literature on the impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, with special relevance to the...
Description
This report collates and synthesizes much of the current information and scientific literature on the impacts of climate change on forests and forest ecosystems, with special relevance to the province of Alberta. Forest ecosystems are highly dependent upon climate for distribution of tree species, their growth, productivity and health, and are predicted to respond in a variety of ways to a changing climate. This report presents an overview of the major impacts predicted to occur during the 21st century. Based upon climate change projections for Alberta, significant impacts reviewed are in relation to tree species distributions, changes in forest ecosystems and biodiversity, wetland areas, growth and productivity responses of trees, disturbance events, forest genetics, invasive species, and with an emphasis on forest health-related issues. The main purposes of this report are to serve as an information source, to increase awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on...