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How is nitrogen deposition changing European forest plant ranges?

For decades, scientists have assumed that climate change is pushing plant species toward the poles, as rising temperatures force them to seek cooler climates. But a new study published in Science reveals a surprising finding: many European forest plants are moving west instead of north. This unexpected pattern has been linked to nitrogen deposition, an important but often overlooked environmental factor.

The study, co-authored by Professor Bogdan Jaroszewicz of the University of Warsaw’s Bialowieza Geobotanical Station, involved a comprehensive analysis of data from nearly 3,000 European forest vegetation plots, resampled over several decades. The research team, led by Ghent University’s Forest & Nature Lab, consisted of 40 scientists from more than 30 institutions across Europe. Together, they sought to understand how environmental changes, beyond climate change, are altering the distribution of forest biodiversity.

Nitrogen deposition – a hidden driver of change

While climate change is a well-documented force altering the distribution of species, the study underscores the key role of nitrogen deposition in shaping plant movements across Europe. Nitrogen compounds, emitted mainly from agriculture and industrial activities, are deposited in ecosystems by rain, altering soil chemistry and affecting plant growth. This process has created favorable conditions in Western Europe, allowing plant species to establish new populations away from their historical ranges.

Surprisingly, the study found that changes in the range of plant species in the western direction were 2.6 times more likely than changes in the northern direction. Nitrogen deposition, rather than temperature alone, allowed some plants to thrive in previously unsuitable areas, especially in regions recovering from historical acidification caused by sulfur emissions. These findings suggest that the interplay between nitrogen and other atmospheric pollutants could drastically alter the future distribution of plant species.

Implications for biodiversity and conservation

Prof. Bogdan Jaroszewicz stressed the importance of understanding the mechanisms driving these unexpected changes. “Today’s climate is changing at such an unprecedented rate that learning about the mechanisms responsible for the speed and direction of changes in the range of species is extremely important. This is because it allows us to understand the evolution of biodiversity and can contribute to ensuring its effective conservation” [1].

The discovery challenges the widely held assumption that climate change alone determines patterns of species movement. Instead, nitrogen-related processes are playing an increasingly important role, particularly in European forests. As Prof. Jaroszewicz noted, “For years, environmentalists have been debating the migration rate of terrestrial species, which is many times lower than the rate of climate warming. In this connection, measures are being considered, referred to by the term ‘assisted migration,’ which involves human relocation of species from disappearing sites to sites where climatic conditions are already suitable for them, but where they have not yet arrived” [1].

New insights into environmental change

The study’s findings underscore the complexity of environmental change. Climate change remains the dominant force, but other global factors, such as nitrogen deposition, are increasingly affecting species behavior and their geographic range. This multifaceted view challenges the conventional focus on temperature change alone and points to the need for a more comprehensive approach to biodiversity management.

As nitrogen levels continue to affect ecosystems in unexpected ways, conservationists and policymakers will need to reconsider how they approach biodiversity conservation in Europe and beyond. The study suggests that focusing solely on climate change mitigation may not be enough; a broader understanding of environmental stressors, including nitrogen pollution, is essential to securing the future of forest biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation – lessons learned anew?

The discovery of westward shifts in European forest plants driven by nitrogen deposition offers new insights into the complex factors affecting species migration. This underscores the need for a more holistic approach to conservation that takes into account not only climate change, but also the impact of atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen. As the environment continues to change in unforeseen ways, research such as this will play an important role in informing biodiversity conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem health for future generations.

By expanding our knowledge of how species respond to environmental change, we can better prepare for the challenges ahead, ensuring the protection of Europe’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems.

For decades, scientists have assumed that climate change is pushing plant species toward the poles, as rising temperatures force them to seek cooler climates. But a new study published in Science reveals a surprising finding: many European forest plants are moving west instead of north. This unexpected pattern has been linked to nitrogen deposition, an important but often overlooked environmental factor.

The study, co-authored by Professor Bogdan Jaroszewicz of the University of Warsaw’s Bialowieza Geobotanical Station, involved a comprehensive analysis of data from nearly 3,000 European forest vegetation plots, resampled over several decades. The research team, led by Ghent University’s Forest & Nature Lab, consisted of 40 scientists from more than 30 institutions across Europe. Together, they sought to understand how environmental changes, beyond climate change, are altering the distribution of forest biodiversity.

Bibliography: [1] University of Warsaw, Range of European Forest Plants, https://www.uw.edu.pl/zasieg-europejskich-roslin-lesnych/

Zuzanna Czernicka
Bio:
I am deeply immersed in the dynamic world of banking and FinTech. My focus encompasses critical areas such as foreign exchange, payments, and the cutting-edge landscape of FinTech regulation. My academic interests span a broad range of topics including electronic payments, Open Banking, blockchain impacts, the DeFi ecosystem, NFTs, ICOs, and tokenization. I am dedicated to understanding and analyzing the new regulatory frameworks shaping the FinTech world. Currently, I am writing my Bachelor's thesis on the robo-advisory services. This work reflects my commitment to understanding and contributing to the regulatory frameworks that are vital for the growth and governance of emerging financial technologies.
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