A recent study suggests that the boreal forest in Canada and Alaska, as well as the treeless shrublands further north, could face significant impacts from climate change in the next 500 years. While most climate models focus on predictions up to 2100, researchers are now looking at longer-term projections to understand how ecosystems may need to adapt over centuries.
Over a 500-year period, climate models show that the boreal forest, a crucial carbon storage and water source, could be greatly affected, along with tundra regions and treeless shrublands that help regulate the Earth’s climate. As temperatures rise, new plant species are already moving into colder areas, disrupting the balance of heat distribution on the planet.
If greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, some of the hottest regions on Earth may become uninhabitable, requiring significant lifestyle changes to cope with the extreme heat. It is crucial to take action now to prevent irreversible damage to these vital ecosystems.
2024-04-08 08:51:04
Original from phys.org