Rainforests are not just symbols of natural beauty; They are an important component of our planet’s ecosystem. But climate change poses an urgent threat to these vital habitats and beyond. Up to two-thirds of the world’s temperate rainforests could fall victim to climate change by 2100, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Leeds.

Global assessment of temperate rainforests

The work is one of a kind; The first global assessment of the impacts of climate change on temperate rainforests.

“Temperate rainforests are rare ecosystems found only in moist and cool regions, making them vulnerable to climate warming. It is important to protect them because they contain unique species and can accumulate large amounts of carbon,” the study authors wrote. he said.

Using comprehensive maps detailing tree cover, forest condition and climate data, researchers were able to assess how human activities and climate change are affecting the world’s temperate rainforests and how they may continue to do so.

Although temperate rainforests cover less than one percent of the land surface, they play an important role. Forests are found in many countries such as Canada, the United States, Chile, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Their ecological importance is recognized worldwide. Their high capacity to accumulate carbon exceeds forests at other latitudes.

The future of temperate forests

Researchers predict that in the most pessimistic scenario, we could lose up to 68 percent of our planet’s temperate rainforests in the coming decades. In some regions, these losses can reach a staggering 90 percent.

But there’s a bright side: Our actions can change the course. If we take tough action against fossil fuel emissions, projected losses will only be around 23 percent. Quick and decisive action could reduce this loss to just nine percent. This situation once again emphasizes the urgent need for effective and immediate steps to combat climate change.

Identifying the most sensitive forests

The research was led by Ben Silver, a research fellow at the School of Earth and Environment in Leeds.

“Ongoing climate change is disastrous for temperate rainforests in the UK and around the world because they cannot withstand the high summer temperatures we are starting to see more frequently and are predicted to get worse in future climate change simulations.” said Silver.

“Our research also shows that it is not too late to save the world’s temperate rainforests if we work hard to slow climate change.”

“We hope that our research will contribute to the conservation of temperate rainforests by identifying areas that are least or most vulnerable to climate change and where forests have potential to recover.”

British Rainforests: A Case Study

Temperate rainforests are located on the west coast of Great Britain and form one of the most biodiversity-rich habitats. This is where high humidity and low temperature range create ideal conditions for moisture-loving lichens and bryophytes.

British temperate rainforest covers less than one percent of the land area. However, as home to a quarter of the world’s treeless climate zone, temperate rainforests, the UK has more potential for recovery than anywhere else in the world.

Researchers found that temperate rainforests in the UK are resilient to mild to moderate future warming. Professor Dominic Spracklen, co-author of the study, stressed that the UK should be a world leader in the restoration of temperate rainforests.

“The UK can and should be a world leader in restoring temperate rainforests. New funding and bold action from large landowners is urgently needed to help meet the government’s ambitions to restore temperate rainforests,” Spracklen said.

Chief Scientist of the US-based Wild Heritage group, Dr. Dominic A. Della Sala reiterated the importance of the world’s rainforests as the “lungs of the planet.”

“All of the world’s rainforests are the ‘lungs of the planet’, which should be protected and restored as natural climate solutions to avoid the worst of global warming,” Dr DellaSalla said. “Temperate rainforests, alongside tropical rainforests and boreal forests in the north, are strategically important for a safe climate should also take its place.” The study was published in the journal Future of the World.