Grasslands and climate change

Publication date: 21-01-2026
Extent: 18 pages

Contributions by: Martin Lukac and Chris Reynolds, University of Reading, UK

Chapter synopsis:

Grassland ecosystems are vital in global carbon cycling, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural productivity. As ecosystems typically bordering arid or semiarid zones, they are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which will alter key environmental drivers such as temperature or precipitation regimes. This chapter outlines the anticipated impacts of climate change on grasslands, focusing on plant productivity and composition. It then discusses the methods and techniques used to determine the impact of climate change on grassland dynamics, highlighting the potential for shifts in phenology, species composition, and ecosystem functioning. Methods such as soil sampling, remote sensing, or ecosystem flux measurements are outlined. Challenges in predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change are also discussed, emphasising the importance of researching adaptation strategies to enhance grassland resilience.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0154.02