Alteration of the alpine vegetation due to climate change

Climate change is indeed a serious problem across most of the planet, however, certain areas are affected at a higher rate. The very unique regions of the Alps, which provide habitats for 20% of Europe s vascular plants, may particularly be impacted. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the direct effects of climate warming on the alpine flora s distribution in the Karwendel Alps, Tyrol, Austria. Here, the higher situated vegetation belts were studied by analysing recent and historic patterns. Based on the obtained data, a model was constructed to exhibit the potential future plant species' distribution regarding two climate scenarios by 2050. The results indicate that the timberline and grassland species will presumably spread and invade the higher located vegetation zones of the dwarf shrub and alpine species, which may experience significant habitat reduction or extinction unless certain steps are taken to preserve them for the future generations. This book may prove beneficial for those who are interested in the probable effects of climate change and vegetation alteration as well as adaptation, mitigation and conservation strategies on the field of alpine studies.