Javascript Other reports in this collection 5.3. Key Impacts 5.3.1. Ecological Systems Europe has few genuine natural ecosystems. Many sites with intermediate soils are occupied by seminatural vegetation types.
Vegetation responds to climate change directly and indirectly.
Indirect effects also may occur as a result of the responses of herbivores and pests to climate changes, changes in soil fauna, and changes in the frequency and severity of disturbances such as fire. In addition, vegetation responds directly and indirectly to atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. At the ecosystem level, the impact of CO 2 on ecosystem processes remains very uncertain. Further complications arise in the prediction of species responses to temperature changes because of the importance of the nature of the change. Anthropogenic barriers are especially important for large portions of western and central Europe, where land use is dominated by direct human intervention.