forest decline
Trees dying off
Forest decline is the gradual deterioration of forest health, marked by widespread tree death, reduced growth, and ecosystem degradation.
The term gained prominence in the 1980s when European forests showed alarming damage attributed to acid rain and air pollution.
Causes include pollution, climate stress, disease, and pest infestations, often acting in combination: Scientists are studying forest decline in the Appalachians.
- bark beetlesInsects infesting tree layers
- acid rainPolluted atmospheric moisture falling
- invasive speciesHarmful non-native organism
- biodiversity lossReduction in species variety
- droughtProlonged water scarcity
clear cutting · logging · soil erosion · root rot · air pollution · habitat fragmentation · urbanization · extreme temperatures · species extinction · nutrient depletion · parasitic plants · mining activities · greenhouse gas emissions · water contamination · road construction · ozone depletion · overgrazing · wildfire
forest declinereforestation
Replanting depleted woodlands
afforestation · forest restoration · forest health · rewilding · ecological restoration
forest declineforest conservation
Protecting wooded ecosystems systematically
forest preservation · sustainable forestry · forest protection · forest stewardship
forest declineforest growth
Vegetation expanding in woodlands
afforestation · reforestation · silviculture · tree planting · forest conservation
forest, forests, forested, forestry, forester, forestation, deforestation, afforestation, decline