Global Change and Forest Disturbances in the Mediterranean Basin: Breakthroughs, Knowledge Gaps, and Recommendations

• Published in: Forests Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 603
• Main Authors: Peñuelas, Josep, Sardans, Jordi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 11.05.2021
• Subjects: abandoned land; Agricultural land; altitude; anthropogenic activities; Anthropogenic factors; Aridity; basins; Biodiversity; biomass; carbon; Climate change; Climate effects; Dieback; Drought; dry environmental conditions; Ecosystems; Environmental changes; Environmental degradation; Flood damage; Forest & brush fires; Forest biomass; Forest communities; Forest ecosystems; Forest management; Forests; General circulation models; High pressure; Human influences; humans; Invasive species; Land degradation; Leaching; Literature reviews; Livestock; Mediterranean region; Morphology; mortality; Northern Africa; Nutrient status; Overexploitation; Pests; Policies; pollution; Precipitation; Pressure; Rain; reproduction; Resource management; Socioeconomic factors; Soil degradation; Soil pollution; Soils; Terrestrial ecosystems; trees; Water availability; Water management; Water resources; Water resources management; Iberian Peninsula; Europe; Mediterranean Area; Northern Africa; Mediterranean region

Forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin are mostly situated in the north of the Basin (mesic). In the most southern and dry areas, the forest can only exist where topography and/or altitude favor a sufficient availability of water to sustain forest biomass. We have conducted a thorough review o...