Forests in Peril: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Carbon Sink Decline in Northeast China

Forests in northeast China are critical for climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. Over the past few decades, climate change has become a strong stressor for these forests, resulting in changes in temperature, precipitation regimes, and ecological processes. Recent studies have begun to explore how these environmental changes affect forest structure and carbon processes. This paper explores the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems in northeast China, especially biodiversity and carbon sinks. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and frequent extreme weather events have altered forest structure, species diversity, and ecosystem processes in the region. These climate changes are weakening forest stability and health, and reducing forests' ability to serve as carbon sinks. This study also explores how feedback mechanisms and regional heterogeneity enhance these impacts. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen adaptation measures, increase carbon sinks, and improve governance. This discussion not only provides policy-relevant information for regional forest management in China, but also contributes to a comprehensive understanding of climate-related issues facing temperate and boreal forests worldwide.