What can we do
The condition of forests themselves can have an influence on disturbances. It is important to protect the health of forests to mitigate impacts from disturbances.
A disturbing loop, triggered by deforestation and poor management practices. Background photo © Flickr/Phil Thomas
Abiotic disturbances will continue to increase in intensity, quantity and frequency. Adaptive forest management is therefore essential to protect the world’s forest resources. To reduce or divert potential impacts, foresters may:
- diversify species
- use windbreaks and mixed cropping patterns for resilience
- refrain from planting susceptible species in areas prone to abiotic disturbances
Reducing the effects of disturbances on forests will contribute to countries’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation through forest conservation, sustainable forest management and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+).
Taking care of the world’s forests and effectively managing them not only ensures that they meet their objectives but also reduces the risk of damage from future abiotic disturbances and addresses global climate change concerns.
A disturbing loop, triggered by wildfires: Wildfire releases carbon emissions, contributes to global warming, increases in droughts and heat waves, increases in wildfires. Background photo © Flickr/Bara Koukoug