Which factor can exacerbate the effects of climate change on forests?

Invasive species play a significant role in exacerbating the effects of climate change on forests. These non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting native vegetation for resources such as nutrients, light, and water. As the climate changes, forests may already be under stress from increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. The presence of invasive species can compound these challenges by reducing biodiversity, altering habitat structures, and undermining the resilience of forest ecosystems.

For example, invasive plants may thrive in warmer temperatures, spreading rapidly and further diminishing the populations of native plant species that are more adapted to the existing local climate. This loss of native vegetation can lead to a decrease in habitat quality for various forest-dwelling animals, influencing the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. Thus, the interaction between climate change and invasive species can create a feedback loop that amplifies the vulnerability of forests to changing climatic conditions.