Multi-scale Understanding of Vegetation Ecosystems

This book highlights the vital role of vegetation in terrestrial surface systems, emphasizing its importance in regulating climate change, acting as a carbon sink, and maintaining the surface energy balance by absorbing CO2 from human activities. However, urbanization, extreme droughts, floods, fires, and other events negatively impact biodiversity, increase tree mortality, trigger wildfires, and exacerbate food insecurity and poverty. Understanding the influence of global climate change and human activity on vegetation patterns is essential. The structure and function of vegetation ecosystems result from interactions between natural ecological processes and socio-cultural factors, leading to variability across different spatial and temporal scales. While local-scale studies provide detailed insights, they are often difficult to generalize. Conversely, large-scale studies can inform comprehensive planning but may overlook nuances between subsystems. Therefore, enhancing research on the evolution of vegetation ecosystems and their responses to climate change across multiple scales is crucial to mitigate risks and maintain ecosystem balance.