Disentangling future effects of climate change and forest disturbance on vegetation composition and land surface properties of the boreal forest

31 July 2025

Disturbances, such as fire, can change which vegetation grows in a forest, affecting water and carbon flows and, thus, the climate. Disturbances are expected to increase with climate change, but it is uncertain by how much. Using a simulation model, the authors studied how future climate, disturbances, and their combined effect impact northern (high-latitude) forest ecosystems. Their findings highlight the importance of considering these factors and the need to better understand how disturbances will change in the future.

Please also read the blog post by Schmidt Center for Data Science & Environment.

Contact: Lucia S. Layritz (lucia.layritz@tum.de)