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- Title
Climate vulnerability of biophysical systems in different forest types and coastal wetlands in Africa: a synthesis.
- Authors
KITULA, R. A.; LARWANOU, M.; MUNISHI, P. T. K.; MUOGHALU, J. I.; POPOOLA, L.
- Abstract
This article synthesizes information on climate vulnerability of biophysical systems in forests, woodlands and coastal wetlands of Africa. Current knowledge indicates that forests and woodlands are sensitive to changes in precipitation, temperature and droughts and are already experiencing dramatic shift in species distribution. They are also undergoing changes in composition, structure and recovery potential due to increased anthropogenic activities exacerbated by climate change. Sea level rise is the greatest climate change challenge that coastal wetlands will face. It can affect coastal wetlands through alteration of inundation period, erosion and salt water intrusion. However, outcomes of interacting factors like temperature increase, variability in precipitation, extreme weather events and carbon dioxide concentration in forests and woodlands are uncertain. Research and models on climate vulnerability in different forest types should be done to improve understanding of climate vulnerability of biophysical systems, adaptation and mitigation potentials thereby guaranteeing achievements of Millennium Development Goals.
- Subjects
AFRICA; FORESTRY &; climate; COASTAL wetlands; FORESTS &; forestry; EFFECT of human beings on climate change; UN Millennium Project; ABSOLUTE sea level change
- Publication
International Forestry Review, 2015, Vol 17, p67
- ISSN
1465-5489
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1505/146554815816007027