ITS3.12/BG0.8 | Global change impacts biodiversity, from observations, and experiments to modeling (ITS3.12/BG0.8 + BG3.20 )
EDI
Global change impacts biodiversity, from observations, and experiments to modeling (ITS3.12/BG0.8 + BG3.20 )
Convener: Daijun Liu | Co-conveners: Mariana VerdonenECSECS, Elias KoivistoECSECS, Heng ZhangECSECS, Nezha AcilECSECS, Isabelle HelfensteinECSECS

Global change drivers on ecosystems, such as land/sea use change, direct exploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species are the major contributors to the accelerating biodiversity crisis and shifts in biome boundaries. Mounting evidence has demonstrated the link between these drivers and changes in biodiversity, such as the loss of species, declines in functional and genetic diversity, and reduction in geodiversity. However, our understanding of the impacts of these drivers on biodiversity across local to global scales remains limited. In this session, we warmly invite contributions related but not limited to studies on 1) the current state or patterns of biodiversity and main drivers; 2) changes in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; 3) trends and future scenarios of biodiversity change; 4) species migrations and links to environmental and anthropogenic influences, and 5) changes in biodiversity resulting from conservation, restoration, management and policy.

We aim to bring together excellent research about past, present, and future biodiversity, using data from field sampling, and airborne or space-based remote sensing observations. We welcome studies ranging from local-scale field experiments to large-scale theoretical modeling, including both individual-ecosystem (i.e. terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems) and cross-ecosystem studies. We explicitly welcome novel conceptual ideas, large-scale observations, field experiments, earth system modeling, or data synthesis related to biodiversity change across spatial and temporal scales, and from various data sources toward a better understanding of global change impacts on biodiversity.

BG3.20 Borealization of tundra ecosystems

Arctic and alpine tundra ecosystems are changing fast in response to ongoing climate change and increased human pressures linked to land use changes. One observed phenomenon in response to these changes is the northward and upward shift in the distribution of temperate or boreal species from southerly latitudes or lower elevations, a process known as borealization. Examples of tundra borealization include the encroachment of woody species, the spread of non-native species, and changes in the composition of plant, animal and microbial communities. Borealization also alters the trophic and functional structure of ecosystems, changes landscape structure and impacts ecosystem processes such as the strength of carbon sink and sources.