Interdisciplinary perspectives on forest ecosystems and climate interplay: a review

This review comprehensively examines the multifunctional role of forest ecosystems in climate regulation and the consequential impacts of climate change on these critical biomes. A systematic approach was employed, utilizing extensive bibliometric analysis and synthesis of recent literature from databases such as Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Key ecological functions of forests, including carbon sequestration, albedo modulation, evapotranspiration, and cloud formation, were scrutinized to elucidate their contributions to the global carbon cycle and local/regional climate dynamics. The analysis highlights significant phenological shifts, species migrations, and increased vulnerabilities to pests, diseases, and fire disturbances as primary indicators of climate-induced ecological changes. Furthermore, the study explores the intricate feedback loops that exacerbate deforestation and alterations in forest structure and function. Predictive models incorporating various climate scenarios are discussed, emphasizing their importance in developing adaptive management strategies for forest conservation. The findings underscore the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement to formulate effective strategies for mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing forest ecosystem resilience. This review advances the field of ecology by providing critical insights into the interplay between forest ecosystems and climate dynamics, offering a foundation for future research and policy development.