Abstract

Vulnerability Assessment for forest ecosystem to Climate Change using GIS
Track: Climate Change
Authors: Jungyeon Byun

The purpose of this study was to assess the vulnerability of forest ecosystem to climate change in Korea using outputs of vegetation models(HyTAG and MC1) and socio-ecological indicators. Also it suggested adaptation strategies in forest management through analysis of three vulnerability components: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. For the model simulation(1971-2050), the climatic data was prepared by the Korea Meteorological Administration(KMA) and was interpolated to cover the whole country.
HyTAG (Hydrological and Thermal Analogy Groups), Korean model of forest distribution on a regional-scale, could show extent of sensitivity and adaptive capacity in connection with changing frequency and changing direction of vegetation. MC1 model could provide variation and direction of NPP(Net Primary Production) and SCS(Soil Carbon Storage). In addition, the sensitivity and adaptation capacity were evaluated for each. Using a result of the vulnerability assessment, we could propose actions against climate change and develop decision making systems on forest management.