A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Leicester, the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), and the University of Birmingham has identified consistent patterns in forest disturbances caused by human activities across the globe. The findings, published in Nature Sustainability, utilize satellite data to analyze forest disturbance patterns from 2002 to 2014.
Forests are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and ecosystem support. However, disturbances such as storms, fires, insect outbreaks, and human activities like agriculture and logging significantly affect forest structures, creating 'disturbance patches' of varying sizes and shapes. Understanding these patterns is essential for sustainable forest management.
Dr. Nezha Acil, the lead author of the study, categorized disturbance patches into four main types based on their characteristics and mapped their distribution across various biomes. Complex patches, often found in human-affected forests, are medium-sized with long edges, while small-isolated and clustered patches are prevalent in remote areas. Large patches are primarily linked to fires in boreal and Mediterranean forests and harvesting in tropical regions.
The study reveals that human activities create similar disturbance patterns worldwide, regardless of the biome. This 'homogenization' of disturbances could lead to fundamental changes in tropical forests, threatening their resilience and biodiversity. Dr. Thomas Pugh, a co-author, emphasized that different disturbance forms may result in diverse forest structures in the future.
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of understanding disturbance structures for effective forest management and carbon accounting. It highlights the need for strategies that mitigate climate change impacts and promote the sustainability of global forest ecosystems.
The collaborative study involved experts from multiple institutions, including the Technical University of Munich and the Natural Resources Institute Finland.