Tipping points webinar series: Tipping points in boreal forests

The Tipping points discussion series supports efforts to increase consistency in the treatment of tipping elements in the scientific community, develop a research agenda, and design joint experiments and ideas for a Tipping Element Model Intercomparison Project (TipMip). It is a joint activity of the Analysis, Integration, and Modeling of the Earth System (AIMES) global research project of Future Earth, the Earth Commission Working Group 1 Earth and Human Systems Intercomparison Modelling Project (EHSMIP) under the Global Commons Alliance, and the Safe Landing Climates Light House Activity of World Climate Research Program (WCRP). IIASA co-hosts the scientific secretariat of Working Group 1 of the Earth Commission and is one of the organizers of these events.

Observations of boreal forests over the past 25 years reveal a northward shift in tree cover, signaling a large-scale biome redistribution driven by climate change. Southern boreal regions, in particular, are showing signs of instability as forests open up, increasing their vulnerability to fires and ecosystem disruption. Join us as we explore the latest scientific insights on this unique and crucial ecosystem and the threats it faces.

Presentations

• Ronny Rotbarth (University of Freiburg): The trembling state of boreal forests - Shifting biome distributions from space
• Isla Myers-Smith (University of British Columbia): Gradual or abrupt? How vegetation change, permafrost thaw, and fire are reshaping the boreal forest and tundra
• The presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion by Christopher Reyer (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research)

Please click here to register

A recording will be available after the event.