Science in the Vanguard of Rethinking the Role of Forests in the Third Millennium: Comments on the Draft Concept of the Federal Law “Forest Code of the Russian Federation

Abstract

In this work, in the light of the latest scientific data, multiple aspects of the regulatory influence of forest ecosystems on climate are considered from the standpoint of the concept of biotic regulation of the environment: carbon absorption in the biomass of trees and soil, regulation of local temperature regime through the transpiration and reflectivity of forest cover, regulation of continental transport of atmospheric moisture and cloudiness. It is shown that under conditions of increasing climatic destabilization, the value of the climate-regulating function of forests and, in particular, its aspects associated with the water cycle, rapidly increases in comparison with the traditional economic functions of the forest. The Forest Code, as the main document regulating the impact of Russian citizens on the forest, should take into account the dynamically developing situation and assign a special role to climate-regulating forests. Considering that natural forest ecosystems have finite stability and climate-regulating potential, which commercially-scaled timber harvesting and other methods of exploitation can completely destroy, it is proposed to achieve a balance between the economic and climate-regulating functions of forests through their spatial delineation. Economic activity must be carried out intensively in previously developed territories where forests have been perturbed beyond their self-recovery threshold. Intact forests, performing a climate-regulating function, are proposed to be separated into a distinct legal category, subject only to protection and intensive study. It is shown that the advancement of the category of climate-regulating forests in the international climate agenda is vital for the protection of the national interests of Russia.

The role of ecosystem transpiration in creating alternate moisture regimes by influencing atmospheric moisture convergence

“…This contribution is underestimated (Sheil et al, 2019). Future studies of vegetation cover impacts on atmospheric moisture flows must emphasize the role of natural forests (Hua et al, 2022; Leite‐Filho et al, 2021; Makarieva et al, 2020; Sheil, 2018; Zemp, Schleussner, Barbosa, Hirota, et al, 2017).…”

Vegetation impact on atmospheric moisture transport under increasing land-ocean temperature contrasts

“…The pristine forest ecosystems are characterized by resilience to perturbations like fires, windfall or pests ( Sukachev, 1975 ; Gromtsev, 2002 ; Rich et al, 2007 ; Shorohova et al, 2008 ; Debkov et al, 2019 ). They also stabilize regional and global climates ( Gorshkov, 1995 ; Funk et al, 2019 ; Makarieva et al, 2020 ).…”

Vegetation Impact on Atmospheric Moisture Transport under Increasing Land-Ocean Temperature Contrasts

“…The pristine forest ecosystems are characterized by resilience to perturbations like fires, windfall or pests (Sukachev, 1975;Gromtsev, 2002;Rich et al, 2007;Shorohova et al, 2008;Debkov et al, 2019). They also stabilize regional and global climates (Gorshkov, 1995;Funk et al, 2019;Makarieva et al, 2020a).…”