GREENHOUSE-EFFECT - A THREAT TO FORESTS AND FORESTRY

The article outlines the possible effects that a changing climate coul d have on the dynamics of the boreal forest ecosystem in terms of prod uctivity and risk of fungal and insect attacks. Model computations ind icate that a rise in temperature will probably enhance the regeneratio n and growth rates of tree populations. Similarly, many pathogenic fun gi and insects could also profit from the changing climate. Furthermor e, the risk of frost damage could increase, because higher winter temp eratures could break the winter dormancy of trees too early, with cons equent frost damage.