Boreal forest sensitivity to global warming: Implications for forest management in western interior Canada

Abstract

Unmitigated global warming due to the enhanced greenhouse effect could have significant impacts on the boreal forest in interior western Canada. Increases in annual temperature of 3 to 7 °C are projected for Alberta under a 2 × CO 2 scenario by 2030 – 2050 A.D. Such an unprecedented rate of change has many short- and long-term implications for forest management and for industries. As the boreal forest is highly sensitive to climatic changes, foresters need to develop a set of safe strategies to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the benefits of these changes.