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The forests of the Oka basin were used as an example in an experiment to solve numerically the dual-purpose task set by the Paris Climate Change Agreement (2015): to assess CO2 absorption from the atmosphere by forest communities under the current global warming and forest adaptation to climate change. The regulation processes of the carbon cycle by the forest cover, with the effect of mitigating the predicted warming, were revealed with the help of empirical–statistical modeling. The adaptation potential and role of forests in carbon adsorption and conservation were assessed. The proposed index of elastic–plastic functional stability of forest ecosystems was used as an adaptation indicator. Forest sustainability as a direct environmental factor in greenhouse gas absorption was estimated in statistical terms. An unambiguous idea of the significant increase in the ecological resources of boreal and nemoral forests was obtained: their adsorption capacity increased with an increase in the adaptation potential. During the predicted 100-year period, the overall elastic–plastic stability of forest formations should increase in the region, especially at the current velocity of global warming. Due to this fact, a significant increase in the ability of boreal and, to a lesser extent, nemoral forests to absorb greenhouse gases should also be expected. Based on the obtained results of regional prediction modeling, coupled study of the adsorption capacity of forest biomes and their adaptation to the changing climate is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X23070188 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the applicability of the land degradation neutrality (LDN) concept of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification to the Russian boreal forests. In this regard, it is necessary to adapt three global LDN indicators (land cover, land productivity, and carbon stock) to the assessment of land degradation processes of boreal forests in Russia and around the world. According to the research results, landscapes with different types of forest restoration dynamics can be viewed as an object of forest land dynamic studies. A set of LDN indicators adapted for boreal forests conditions has also been suggested in the course of our research. In order to assess LDN proxies, we calculated the retrospective and projected net carbon balance in the middle taiga zone of the Noshulskoye forest domain (Komi Republic, Russia) using the CBM CFS model. We explored three scenarios of forest net carbon balance under three different felling regimes. The net carbon balance should not be applied as an independent LDN indicator, because it does not take into account changes in species diversity and primary productivity. It is suggested that industrial felling should imitate natural types of restoration dynamics in order to achieve LDN targets. It can be reached through minimization of forest felling at sites with fireless types of succession, which accumulate maximum stocks of dead phytomass matter and serve as forest refuges supporting biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]