Heterogeneous response of ecosystem productivity to anthropogenic modifications in different bioclimatic locations in northern high latitudes.

Abstract

<p>Fragile northern high-latitude ecosystems are changing rapidly, driven by a warmer climate and extensive socio-economic development. These pressures lead to disruption of ecosystem functioning. Ecosystem productivity and phenology are indicators of ecosystem functioning. Ecosystem productivity changes such as “greening” or “browning” are highly dependent on local bioclimatic conditions. In this study, we evaluate the response of vegetation productivity in urban, semi-natural (urban–rural), and natural areas located in different bioclimatic conditions. The study is based on remote sensing data, geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical methods. We use moderate-resolution satellite spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from 2000–2019. The results show a high contrast in productivity between urban, semi-natural, and natural vegetation in different bioclimatic zones. The low productivity of urban vegetation contrasts with higher productive semi-natural and natural vegetation in the Atlantic and Middle boreal zones. However, in the Northern boreal zone, urban areas are the greenest and the productivity of urban vegetation corresponds to semi-natural and natural vegetation. The semi-natural vegetation shows similar productivity to natural in the Atlantic, but in the Middle boreal zone, we observe contrasting productivity. In the Northern boreal zone, the semi-natural vegetation more productive than natural. We conclude that in the colder climatic conditions, the anthropogenic impact has a positive effect on ecosystem productivity. The spatial heterogeneity of productivity indicates different reactions of certain types of vegetation, as well as local effects, which are clearly important against the background of the regional climate response. These factors need to be accounted for in developing adaptation strategies for northern urban areas.</p>