Climate Change and its Impact on Forests & Protecting Biodiversity through Effective Forest Management

Forests are indispensable in the fight against climate change, serving as significant carbon sinks and reservoirs of biodiversity. However, climate change is increasingly threatening these vital ecosystems. This article examines how climate change is affecting forests globally and outlines management practices that can mitigate these impacts, emphasizing strategies for preserving biodiversity and the importance of sustainable forestry.

For more on the relation between Improved Forest Management and Sustainable Development Goals, read our article. 

Climate Change Effects on Forests 

Tree Migration

In response to climate change, tree species are shifting their ranges to areas with more favorable conditions. This migration can lead to trees colonizing landscapes where they typically do not grow, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and altering forest compositions.

Severe Droughts

With rising average temperatures, historically dry areas are experiencing less precipitation, leading to prolonged and intense droughts. Recent droughts have been the most severe in decades, severely affecting forest health. Trees weakened by drought become more susceptible to pests, diseases, and wildfires.

Pests and Pathogens

Drought-stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests and pathogens. In 2018, pests and pathogens damaged over 6 million acres (2,428,113 hectares) of forests in the United States alone, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Climate change exacerbates this issue by promoting conditions favorable for the survival and spread of these harmful organisms.

Lack of Snow Protection

Reduced snowpack due to warmer winters leads to soil freezing, which damages tree roots, reduces nitrogen uptake, and increases stem respiration. These effects weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to other stresses.

Wind Events

Extreme wind events, from small microbursts to hurricanes and tornadoes, can cause significant forest damage. These events influence the rate and composition of regrowth and affect future species composition and biomass accumulation.

Ice Storms

Ice storms, resulting from warm fronts passing over cold air, cause ice formation on tree surfaces, leading to damage ranging from minor twig damage to major crown damage. This physical damage can weaken trees and increase their vulnerability to other stressors.

Invasive Species

Climate change facilitates the spread of invasive species by creating conditions favorable for their growth, such as warmer temperatures, earlier springs, and reduced snowpack. Invasive species can outcompete native flora, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem functions.

Management Practices for Mitigation

Carbon Sequestration

Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing significant amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Enhancing forest carbon sequestration involves practices, such as reforestation, afforestation, and improved forest management that increase biomass and soil carbon storage.

Climate Change Adaptation

Adaptation strategies are essential for enhancing forest resilience to climate change. These include:

• Species Selection: Planting tree species that are more tolerant to changing climatic conditions.
• Assisted Migration: Helping species move to more suitable habitats.
• Thinning and Controlled Burns: Reducing forest density to lower the risk of severe wildfires and pest outbreaks.

Sustainable Forestry

Sustainable forestry practices ensure that forest resources are used responsibly and regenerated for future use. These practices include:

• Selective Logging: Harvesting trees in a way that maintains canopy cover and forest structure.
• Maintaining Buffer Zones: Protecting water sources and riparian areas.
• Monitoring and Management: Regularly monitoring forest health and implementing adaptive management practices.

For success stories, read our blog: Community-Based Forest Management: Success Stories.

Strategies for Preserving Biodiversity

Protect Habitat 

Establishing and maintaining protected areas is crucial for conserving critical habitats and the species that depend on them. Protected areas act as refuges for biodiversity, allowing ecosystems to thrive without human interference.

Reduce Fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation disrupts wildlife movement and reduces genetic diversity. Reducing fragmentation by maintaining contiguous forest areas is essential for species with large home ranges, such as bears and large carnivores, species unable to disperse easily, like many amphibians and reptiles, and habitat-interior species, such as forest songbirds.

Control Introduced Animals or Plants

Managing invasive species through monitoring, early detection, and rapid response can help control their spread and mitigate their impact on native ecosystems. This involves physical removal, biological control, and the use of herbicides or pesticides where necessary.

Reduce Pollution

Reducing pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources can improve forest health and resilience. Pollution control measures help maintain air and water quality, essential for robust forest ecosystems.

Using Sustainable Harvesting Practices 

Implementing sustainable harvesting practices ensures that forest resources are used responsibly and regenerated for future use. This includes selective logging, maintaining canopy cover, and protecting water sources.

Importance of Biodiversity for Forest Health

Biodiversity is the foundation of forest health. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. High biodiversity ensures ecosystem stability, productivity, and the provision of essential services, such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil fertility. Healthy, biodiverse forests are better equipped to adapt to climate change and continue to provide critical ecological functions.

Read our article for more information on The Importance of Improved Forest Management (IFM) Projects in the Voluntary Carbon Market.

Climate change poses significant challenges to forests worldwide, but with improved management practices focusing on carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and sustainable forestry, we can mitigate these impacts. Protecting habitat, reducing fragmentation, controlling invasive species, reducing pollution, and using sustainable harvesting practices are key strategies in this effort. By preserving biodiversity, we not only safeguard forest health but also enhance the resilience of these vital ecosystems in the face of climate change.

If you're interested in contributing to any of these projects or learning more, feel free to contact us. By purchasing the carbon credits produced by these projects, you're supporting the execution of restoration and conservation efforts while also enhancing the livelihoods of communities.

• Sylvera
• Climate Action Reserve
• ACR Carbon
• ACR Carbon - Resources