Global Vegetation and Land Surface Dynamics in a Changing Climate

Abstract

Global ecosystem changes are influenced by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. Ongoing changes in rainfall, temperature, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can affect natural or managed vegetation, such as forest, grassland, or farmland. Moreover, anthropogenic pressures, such as forest clearing, cattle grazing, increasing infrastructural development, intensive management, and expansion of cropland, can contribute to ecosystem degradation. This collection presents a wide range of studies examining natural and anthropogenic drivers in diverse ecosystems in Africa, Asia, and North America.