climate change and forests

Impact of climate change on forests from Romania

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years.

It may be a change in average weather conditions, or in the distribution of weather around the average conditions.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change

What's causing climate change?tiny changes in the Earth's path around the sun;volcanic activity;fluctuations within the climate system.

However, humans are having an increasing influence on our climate by: burning fossil fuels;cutting down forests;farming livestock.

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/brief/causes/index_en.htm

What are the consequences of climate change?

melting ice and rising seas;

extreme weather, shifting rainfall;

consequences for human health, the economy and wildlife, etc.

Who is suffering from climate change?

Earth

All of us

…

and FORESTS worldwide

Romanian Forests Softwood (spruce, fir, pine, etc.)– 24%

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) – 29%

Oaks (Quercus spp.) – 16%

Other Hardwoods – 30%

Shrubs – 1%

Sources: http://roifn.ro/; en.wikipedia.org

What are the impacts of Climate Change on forests from Romania?

Changes in species composition Increase in pest infestationsDrying of stands and speciesForest fires

And the list can continue…

Source: World Bank - http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/

WDSP/IB/2014/01/28/000442464_20140128143707/Rendered/PDF/842620WP0P14660Box0382136B00PUBLIC0.pdf

Changes in species composition In the southern part of Romania, black locust (Robinia pseudacacia), native to North America, is replacing natural oak (Quercus spp.) stands.

Effects: appearance of non-native forests, less productive

Increase in pest infestations

One of the main pests is the bark beetle.

Bark beetles often attack trees that are already weakened by disease, drought, smog or physical damage.

Effects: trees are dying Source: en.wikipedia.org

Drying of stands and speciesIn Romania, the drying of several stands of oaks, black locust, spruce, pines, etc. was reported.

Source: http://www.stopco2.ro/2013/11/25/schimbarile-climatice-distrug-padurile-de-rasinoase-din-jurul-brasovului/

Effects:Thousands of hectares of forests are dying.

Source: http://www.romania-actualitati.ro/interventiile_la_incendiile_de_padure_continua-43038

Forest firesClimate Change => Extreme High Temperatures => Forest Fires

Effects:Thousands of hectares of forests are disappearing.

What can we do in order to reduce de GHG emissions?

Follow this DECALOGUE:

1. Reduce your electricity use!2. Use eco-friendly energy devices!3. Reduce de usage of air-conditioners!4. Go to work by bike!5. Use public transportation!6. Buy local products!7. Re-use and recycle!8. Buy certified products (e.g. FSC certified wood)!9.Avoid using plastic objects, like bags, toys, etc.!10.Educate yourself and anyone you know! and…..

Plant more trees!

made by

Mihai Enescue-mail: treesofromania@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/treesofromania

Thank you, Cati Visinescu, for the photo!