The Present and Future of Biodiversity of Northern Eurasia
Analysing the biodiversity of a region of such a scale of complexity, let alone a
prognosis of its future development, is a hard task. Although studying biodiversity has
always been of great importance to Russian science, the vastness and heterogeneity of the
region, and the remoteness of many areas make this task enormously challenging. Close
links between biomes and climate will become, without doubt, the major cause of
significant shifts in the geography of biodiversity in the course of global climate change
as has happened in the past. In turn, the possible future redistribution of vegetation can
initiate important climatic feedbacks. The scale of consequences of climatic changes for
the geography of terrestrial ecosystems is currently difficult to evaluate with good
precision. However, the existing models show that the changes may be very obvious
spatially and temporally rapid (Krenke, 1989). The human factor is rapidly becoming a
major control over biodiversity. The vastness of the region and low population density so
far have been positive factors in environmental preservation, although many areas have
suffered great environmental damage. A well-developed network of protected areas gives
hope that natural landscapes will be preserved. However, some recent trends in
socioeconomic development cast doubt on the possibility of the preservation of the rich
and unique biodiversity in many regions. Inadequate environmental legislation, a
deep-rooted disregard for law, the continuing economic crisis, and the inability of
governments to fund environmental control threaten the environment and biodiversity.
Without doubt, the recognition of biodiversity as a crucial environmental and heritage
issue, its preservation and restoration should play an important role in local, national,
and intergovernmental discussions.
