Challenges in Sustainable Forest Ecosystems: Interconnections Between Climate Change and Forest Diseases: A Systematic Review

Climate change has profoundly affected forests worldwide, contributing to increased pathogen invasions and the proliferation of forest diseases. This article presents a systematic review that investigates the intricate relationship between climate change and the prevalence of forest diseases. The study identifies climate-related factors that drive the rising incidence of these diseases. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 77 studies were selected and analyzed from a pool of 3,510 articles, focusing on their spatial and temporal patterns, contextual drivers, and linkages to climate change. The findings underscore the critical role of extended drought periods and rising temperatures as key factors exacerbating forest disease outbreaks. This review highlights the pressing need for sustainable forest management practices to counteract the adverse impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. By identifying critical climate drivers and ecological vulnerabilities, this research provides a foundation for adaptive silviculture and pathogen management strategies.