The Impact of Carbon Dioxide and Other Greenhouse Gases on Forest Ecosystems

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and chlorofluorocarbons, are all increasing in the atmosphere. These gases are directly affecting biological processes in trees and ecological processes in forests. They are also causing considerable radiant energy to be trapped near the earth’s surface resulting in the so-called “greenhouse” effect which may significantly alter global climate in the 21st century. However, this issue is subject to some controversy. This book provides an authoritative review, written by expert world forest scientists, of what is known about the impact of elevated CO2 and other greenhouse gases on forest ecosystems.