Declines in plant resilience threaten carbon storage in the Arctic

Rapid warming has affected the northern ecosystem so much that the region’s vegetation may be losing the ability to recover from climate shocks, Phys.org reports, citing a new study. Frequent wildfires and droughts have made it more difficult for these plant communities to recover over time.

• The research shows that this loss of resilience could shift the Arctic from being a carbon sink to a carbon source, threatening the region’s role in climate regulation. The accelerated warming – up to four times the global average –  complicates the carbon absorption dynamics in these ecosystems.
• Using historical data, scientists observed that while southern boreal forests are struggling, some areas of Arctic tundra are faring better. However, this overall decline in resilience across various regions raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of carbon uptake in these ecosystems.
• The study emphasizes the need for enhanced climate models to understand vegetation changes and their impact. Researchers advocate for integrating remote sensing with ground observations to better predict and manage climate-induced risks.