Climate change impact on forests forecasted

Forest ecosystems provide key resources such as climate regulation, oxygen and clean water but are under severe pressure from changes in climate and land use. Forests in the Mediterranean basin, where water availability is limited, are particularly exposed.

Higher temperatures imply a higher demand for water in forests, causing increased drought (and wildfire risk) in many regions of the world including the Mediterranean basin. Identifying which forest species and areas may be vulnerable to reduced water availability is vital to understanding future changes in forest composition and structure and how they will affect key ecosystem services.

Further information: Climate change impact on forests forecasted