Analyse how warming-driven drought, fire, pests and snow or permafrost changes can push boreal forests toward a carbon-cycle tipping point.
Boreal forests stretch across Canada, Russia and Scandinavia. This northern ecosystem accounts for 29 % of the world's forest areas. The long, cold winters favour tall evergreen trees with either needles or scale-like leaves. These trees are wind-pollinated and their seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. The photograph shows a typical boreal forest in winter.
An increase in global temperatures poses a critical threat to boreal forests. Explain the consequences of climate change to this northern ecosystem.