Unexplored long-term patterns and drivers of biodiversity change

Biodiversity loss is a major challenge facing human societies. Still, much uncertainty remains about long-term patterns and drivers of biodiversity change. Empirical evidence is needed from northern environments, which are rapidly changing due to climate change, to improve conservation interventions and predict future changes. This project addresses critical knowledge gaps by integrating decades-spanning vegetation resurvey data from various habitats in Northern Europe with advanced data on snow cover dynamics and geodiversity (the diversity of the non-living environment). These are fundamental drivers, but empirical evidence on their impact on long-term biodiversity change is lacking. The project will produce new scientific knowledge on biodiversity dynamics, significantly contributing to achieving conservation targets. The empirical evidence on the long-term impact of snow cover and geodiversity on biodiversity will be of high importance for conservation science and Arctic research.