A recent study published in Nature Climate Change outlines the potential threat to remote high latitude wilderness areas due to the effects of climate change and agricultural practices. The study found that these areas could be subject to significant changes in land cover, biodiversity and ecosystem services due to the combined effects of human-induced climate change and agricultural activities. In particular, the study highlighted the potential for widespread conversion of tundra and boreal forests to low-productivity agriculture, leading to the loss of important habitat for plants and animals, as well as reduced carbon sequestration. In addition, the study found that these changes could lead to reduced water infiltration, reduced stream flows, and altered nutrient cycles, all of which could have profound impacts on the ecosystems of these remote wilderness areas. The authors of the study call for greater efforts to protect these areas, and to more effectively manage agricultural activities in order to reduce their impacts.

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source: Phys.org