Terrestrial Ecosystems and Their Change

Abstract

This chapter considers the current state of Siberian terrestrial ecosystems, their spatial distribution, and major biometric characteristics. Ongoing climate change and the dramatic increase of accompanying anthropogenic pressure provide different but mostly negative impacts on Siberian ecosystems. Future climates of the region may lead to substantial drying on large territories, acceleration of disturbance regimes, deterioration of ecosystems, and positive feedback to global warming. The region requires urgent development and implementation of strategies of adaptation to, and mitigation of, negative consequences of climate change.