Different ways to die in a changing world: Consequences of climate change for tree species performance and survival through an ecophysiological perspective

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities such as uncontrolled deforestation and increasing greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for triggering a series of environmental imbalances that affect the Earth's complex climate dynamics. As a consequence of these changes, several climate models forecast an intensification of extreme weather events over the upcoming decades, including heat waves and increasingly severe drought and flood episodes. The occurrence of such extreme weather will prompt profound changes in several plant communities, resulting in massive forest dieback events that can trigger a massive loss of biodiversity in several biomes worldwide. Despite the gravity of the situation, our knowledge regarding how extreme weather events can undermine the performance, survival, and distribution of forest species remains very fragmented. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a broad and integrated perspective of the main biochemical, physiological, and morpho‐anatomical disorders that may compromise the performance and survival of forest species exposed to climate change factors, particularly drought, flooding, and global warming. In addition, we also discuss the controversial effects of high CO2 concentrations in enhancing plant growth and reducing the deleterious effects of some extreme climatic events. We conclude with a discussion about the possible effects that the factors associated with the climate change might have on species distribution and forest composition.

Evidence of drought memory in Dipteryx alata indicates differential acclimation of plants to savanna conditions

“…This carbon deviation can result in carbon starvation due to the depletion of nonstrucutural carbohydrates. Carbon starvation is one of the main factors commonly associated with forest dieback events under drought conditions 43 . Thus, this complex network of events can result in a higher mortality rate in plants that are experiencing stress for the first time.…”

Heat Acclimation and Inhibition of Cytokinin Degradation Positively Affect Heat Stress Tolerance of Arabidopsis

“…Heat stress is one of the most frequent abiotic stresses facing plants. The incidence is increasing due to climate change which involves both elevation in mean temperatures and accelerated occurrence of extreme weather events (Menezes-Silva et al, 2019).…”

Global Characterization of the Varying Responses of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index to Atmospheric Evaporative Demand

“…M. Vicente-Serrano, McVicar, et al, 2020). An important aspect is that the role of atmospheric CO 2 could be negligible during low precipitation periods (Menezes-Silva et al, 2019;Morgan et al, 2004;Z. Xu et al, 2016), making environmental and agricultural drought aggravated by any increase in AED (Allen et al, 2015;McDowell et al, 2016;.…”

“…However, the impact of atmospheric CO 2 fertilization is still uncertain (Brodribb et al, 2020; B. Cook et al, 2018; S. M. Vicente‐Serrano, McVicar, et al, 2020). An important aspect is that the role of atmospheric CO 2 could be negligible during low precipitation periods (Menezes‐Silva et al, 2019; Morgan et al, 2004; Z. Xu et al, 2016), making environmental and agricultural drought aggravated by any increase in AED (Allen et al, 2015; McDowell et al, 2016; McDowell & Allen, 2015). In addition, AED could largely reduce surface water resources due to reinforced land evaporation (B. I. Cook et al, 2019; Zhang et al, 2018).…”