Global warming increases environmental risks for the ecosystems of the Far North

In Salekhard, on the basis of the Scientific Center for the Study of the Arctic, an international online seminar "Topical issues of the study of the Arctic and subarctic ecosystems in the context of global changes in the natural environment and climate" was held. It was attended by 45 scientists from 11 scientific, environmental organizations and universities in Russia, the University of Helsinki, the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan.

Scientists discussed the impact of climate change on the trees and shrubs of Yamal, the landscapes of the Polar Urals, the state of communities and populations of mammals as indicators of changes in the natural complexes of the region.

"Global climate change has dual consequences for the ecosystems of the Far North. On the one hand, due to changes in the ranges of certain species in high latitudes, biological diversity increases, on the other hand, new environmental risks appear, for example, such as "spring drought" for trees" , - reported the press service of the YaNAO government.

Due to the increased ambient temperature, northern trees “wake up” in spring much earlier than usual. And since the surface soils are still frozen at this moment, they are not ready to water the plants.

Climate change also affects fauna. For example, common cranes, with which the Yamal Siberian Cranes usually migrate south, do not reach India for 12-15 years, but remain to winter in the south of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Scientists also presented scenarios for further climate change in the district. The results of the project will serve as a basis for developing a climate change adaptation strategy.