The Direct Effects of Increase in the Global Atmospheric CO2 Concentration on Natural and Commercial Temperate Trees and Forests

Abstract

This chapter discusses the direct effects of increase in the global atmospheric CO2 concentration on natural and commercial temperate trees and forests. The aim of this chapter is to assess what is known of these relationships in trees, and to predict the consequences of an increase in CO2 on temperate zone forests. Information concerning the reaction of trees and forests to increase in the atmospheric CO2 concentration is particularly important. The total amount of carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems has diminished over recent centuries as a result of anthropogenic actions, especially forestry clearance. On a global scale, this further reduction in area of forest will both exacerbate the rise of CO2 in the atmosphere through oxidation of wood and wood products, and reduce the sink strength for CO2. . Because of the complexity of forest ecosystems, there may be many consequences of long-term changes in the rates of carbon gain and water loss by trees and stands. The four main reasons for being concerned about the rise in CO2 and its effect on trees and forests given here are: the enhancement of biological knowledge about the functioning of tree species of major ecological and economic importance, the impact on the productivity and value of the economic product, the impact on the ecology and environment of woods and forests, and the downstream, socio-economic consequences.