Climate change has many negative effects on natural resources. What are the effects of climate change on deforestation?
Hello Vinesh.
I'm not sure of the meaning of your question, as deforestation is human-driven, and might not be directly dependent on climate change.
Indirectly, climate change could reduce deforestation because companies, people, governments will make efforts to fight the former. But it could also favor it in areas that will become more accessible. I especially think of the boreal forest that is covered by snow or swampy most of the time, and if it get dryer forestry activities will be able to spread over there.
Dear Vinesh
I agree with the observations of Dr. Robinne. More than climate change it is human intervention that is causing irreplaceable deforestration and damage to natural resources. Climate change is also largely attributed to unscientific human activities.
I am sharing with you the following part of my chapter on medicinal plants (Genetic diversity, genetic erosion, conservation of genetic resources and cultivation of medicinal plants) which is in print (copyrighted. Reproduction is forbidden):
Consequences of climate change on genetic diversity:
Considering the major influence of environment on survival, growth, yield and quality of MPs, climate change may impact ecosystem composition, function; population structure, dynamics and inter-specific interactions. One of the consequences ascribed to climate change is the infestation of plants with virulent native or exotic species of insects and disease producing fungi, bacteria or phytoplasma causing extensive damage to wild populations leading to loss of plants with valuable genes. The other change is the replacement of native plants with species more adapted to the modified climate and significant changes in growth, flowering and reproductive capacities of native plants. Frequent or regular occurrence of forest fires (natural, accidental or deliberate) destroying local flora and fauna is attributed to rising temperatures and dry conditions. Not all MPs with valuable gene pools revive after a major fire disaster. Loss of organic matter and microbiome (rhizoshere microorganisms and microbial biomass) adversely affects subsequent growth, yield and quality of MPs. Changes in rainfall and wind patterns, occurrence and prevalence of drought and moisture stress induce long-lasting effects on MPs survival and distribution. Landslides, soil erosion destroy local flora eroding genetic diversity. The increase in temperatures adds competitive edge to species that thrive at higher temperatures and adversely impact growth and reproductive capacities of MPs that prefer lower temperatures. Higher temperatures influence litter decomposition and soil organic matter content (Veteläinen et al. 2007. Climatic change and genetic resources in northern Europe. Report of a Workshop, 18-19 September 2006, Rovaniemi, Finland, Bioversity International, Rome, Italy ). Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, glacier melting, floods and tsunamis destroy vast tracts eroding genetic diversity.
Best wishes.
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