Forests in danger: How the climate crisis threatens our ecosystems!

Forests in danger: How the climate crisis threatens our ecosystems!

forests are more than just green areas - they are the livelihood of over 5 billion people worldwide and play a crucial role in nutritional security. On the international day of the forest, which is officially celebrated on March 21, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (Iufro) draws attention to the important relationship between forests and food. "The importance of healthy and species -rich forests for the environment and the economy cannot be estimated," emphasizes Dr. Christoph Wildburger, a renowned forest expert, and indicates the critical function of the forests as CO2 memory, which contributes to climate regulation and provides numerous food resources, such as for polluting insects and wildlife.

But the alarming reports from Germany about the damage in the forests raise questions. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, around four out of five trees are sick. Extreme drought since 2018, increased forest fires and pests have dramatically worsened the condition of the forests. "Crown agitation", a medical concept for the loss of leaves or needles, shows up on many trees and leads to confusing damage in the ecosystem, which serves so many functions, including the protection of biodiversity and the offer of recreation rooms for humans. These challenges are in direct connection with the climate crisis and illustrate a growing threat to the stable functions that forests have for society, as in detailed studies of

So that the forests can continue to fulfill their indispensable functions, experts appeal for sustainable management and comprehensive protection. The path to resilience of the forests is clear: measures must be developed against the increasing damage and to maintain their viability. The Iufro has set itself the goal of promoting innovative approaches to strengthen the forests in view of the threats from climate change. The findings from research are essential here, as should be further investigated in the coming months.

In summary, the current reports of ots.at The urgent need, the environment and forest as integral components of our livelihood regard. These relationships are not only in an ecological, but also in a social and economic context.