Strategic roadmap to assess forest vulnerability under air pollution and climate change

Abstract

Although it is an integral part of global change, most of the research addressing the effects of climate change on forests have overlooked the role of environmental pollution. Similarly, most studies investigating the effects of air pollutants on forests have generally neglected the impacts of climate change. We review the current knowledge on combined air pollution and climate change effects on global forest ecosystems and identify several key research priorities as a roadmap for the future. Specifically, we recommend (1) the establishment of much denser array of monitoring sites, particularly in the South Hemisphere; (2) further integration of ground and satellite monitoring; (3) generation of flux‐based standards and critical levels taking into account the sensitivity of dominant forest tree species; (4) long‐term monitoring of N, S, P cycles and base cations deposition together at global scale; (5) intensification of experimental studies, addressing the combined effects of different abiotic factors on forests by assuring a better representation of taxonomic and functional diversity across the ~73,000 tree species on Earth; (6) more experimental focus on phenomics and genomics; (7) improved knowledge on key processes regulating the dynamics of radionuclides in forest systems; and (8) development of models integrating air pollution and climate change data from long‐term monitoring programs.

Feasibility of enhancing carbon sequestration and stock capacity in temperate and boreal European forests via changes to management regimes

“…Forest carbon cycle and productivity models are used to investigate and project the effects of climate change and management scenarios on forest productivity across a range of spatial and temporal scales to support science-driven policymaking (Temperli et al, 2012; Vacchiano et al, 2012; Reyer et al, 2017; Maréchaux et al, 2021). This includes design of alternative management strategies to support climate change mitigation policies (Maréchaux et al, 2021; De Marco et al, 2022).…”

Ambient PM2.5 and O3 pollution and health impacts in Iranian megacity

“…The PM 2.5 is linked to increases in respiratory problems, cardiovascular health effects, risk of lung cancer and premature mortality. Climate change and air pollution are closely linked (Sicard et al 2016 a, De Marco et al 2022a , b ) since the source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants are generally similar (O’Donovan et al 2018 ; De Marco et al 2022b ). Ozone is the third most important greenhouse gas in terms of radiative forcing, contributing to climate change (Amoatey et al 2019 ).…”

COVID-19 Outbreak Related to PM10, PM2.5, Air Temperature and Relative Humidity in Ahvaz, Iran

“…Many factors contribute to disease emergence, including climate change, globalization and urbanization; most of these factors are caused by humans [ 23 ]. Anthropogenic activities are a major issue of air pollution due to the emission of harmful pollutants and sources of transmissible disease agents [ 5 , 22 – 24 , 43 , 44 , 73 ]. Fine particles, with an aerodynamic diameter lower than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) or 10 µm (PM 10 ), are mainly emitted from sources such as vehicles, energy industries and dust [ 35 , 43 ] and have potentially the most significant effects on human health when compared to other air pollutants [ 25 ].…”

“…Anthropogenic activities are a major issue of air pollution due to the emission of harmful pollutants and sources of transmissible disease agents [ 5 , 22 – 24 , 43 , 44 , 73 ]. Fine particles, with an aerodynamic diameter lower than 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) or 10 µm (PM 10 ), are mainly emitted from sources such as vehicles, energy industries and dust [ 35 , 43 ] and have potentially the most significant effects on human health when compared to other air pollutants [ 25 ]. Particles, especially PM 2.5 , are known to be responsible for different lung diseases and respiratory infections [ 45 , 50 , 56 ].…”