VULCAN - Vulnerability assessment of shrubland ecosystems in Europe under climatic changes

Background and Goals

The project investigates the effects of climate change on the ecological functions of scrublands to support political decisions and management practices and maintain the quality of this habitat type in Europe. The effects are studied by experimental manipulation of scrubland ecosystems in Europe, in order to analyse the impact of warming and drought on plants, soil, fauna and groundwater processes.

The objective is to develop an expert system based on experimental results and existing knowledge of management effects. Management practices are evaluated and prioritised using appropriate vulnerability scenarios.

Content time

to

Research area/region

Country
  • Denmark
  • Great Britain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Spain
  • Hungary

Steps in the process of adaptation to climate change

Step 1: Understand and describe climate change

Approach and results 

Use of current climate projections

Parameter (climate signals)
  • Altered rainfall patterns
  • Higher average temperatures
  • Extreme precipitation (incl. hail, snow)
  • Dry periods
Further Parameters 

High night-time temperatures, heavier precipitation, longer droughts

Step 2a: Identify and assess risks - climate effects and impact

Approach and results 

The climate change influence the functioning of European scrubland ecosystems.

Step 2b: Identify and assess risks - Vulnerability, risks and chances

Approach and results 

Investigation of vulnerability in the sense of susceptibility as a function of sensitivity and natural adaptation capacity (excluding social adaptation capacity) of European scrublands in respect of various environmental stress factors

Step 3: Develop and compare measures

Measures and/or strategies 

Maintaining the functional capacity of scrubland ecosystems.

Participants

Funding / Financing 

funded under the EU's 5th Framework Programme for Research "Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development"

Project management 

Risoe National Laboratory, Roskilde, Denmark

Cooperation/Partners 

Consortium consisting of 11 research groups from Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy and Spain

Contact

Risoe National Laboratory, Technical University of Denmark
Frederiksborgvej 399
DK-4000 Roskilde

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Fields of action:
 agriculture  biological diversity