Model by UAlberta biologists predicts big changes because of climate change and wildfire. For example, we are talking about the possible destruction of the Alberta’s Upland Boreal Forests.
This Alberta’s Upland Boreal forest stands near Jackfish River in Wood Buffalo National Park. It was decimated after a wildfire. A new UAlberta study predicts that about half of Alberta’s upland boreal forest will disappear. Without question this is as a result of climate change. Oh and increasing wildfires over the next century. (Photo: Natural Resources Canada)
By KATIE WILLIS
Half of Alberta’s upland boreal forest is likely to disappear over the next century due to climate change, a new study shows.
“By 2100, at least 50 per cent of the boreal upland mixed-wood forest could become young deciduous forest and grassland, based on a combination of changes in climate and wildfire,” said Diana Stralberg, a recently graduated PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences, who led the study conducted with other U of A biologists in collaboration with colleagues from Natural Resources Canada.
In the study, the researchers examined vegetation change. That was related to wildfire disturbance and climate change over 100 years in Alberta’s upland boreal forest.
Finally, Stralberg simulated wildfire using a model from Natural Resources Canada. In addition, they also used data from the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. Therefore to determine what vegetation might grow back under future climates.
For the entire story by the University of Alberta
