Chapter 10 - Climate change and tropical forests

Abstract

The roles of people and climate are intertwined in the future of tropical forests. Tropical forests surround, sustain, and coexist with some of the world's most densely populated human populations and some of the most isolated societies. An estimated 1.5 billion people depend on the goods and services they provide. In addition, much of the world's population indirectly benefit from their role in climate regulation. Increased global atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are driving tropical forest climates above historical ranges. Increased temperatures alone will affect the hydrologic cycle, lead to drying, increase the likelihood of drought and fire, affect moisture-sensitive cloud forest ecosystems, and drive the transition from moist to dry tropical forests. The future of tropical forests and their role in regulating climate, harboring biodiversity, and providing services under future climate scenarios can be sustained with increased attention to reversing forest loss, increasing sustainable management practices, and aligning broad governance policies with local benefits and practices.