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R.G. Lawford and P.B. Alaback
comprehensive models for examining the combined effect of processes
operating at different scales and the movement of variability from one
scale to another are technically feasible, but they need to be tested and
tailored to systems operating under a number of environmental constraints. Conceptually, these interactions can be addressed by using hierarchical frame-works, while practical applications can rely on existing
models and scaling analysis.
Socioeconomic Considerations
During the past centuries, the relative geographical isolation of high- and
temperate-latitude rainforests in both hemispheres has been a key factor
in their conservation and persistence as intact landscapes. In the future,
this geographic isolation is unlikely to be effective in buffering these
forests from the impacts of the emerging social and economic pressures
that have so overwhelmed warmer and drier ecosystems throughout the
globe. Widespread investments by multinational corporations and others
during the past few decades have already brought about many fundamental
and rapid changes in high-latitude rainforest landscapes. While the relative
uniqueness of pristine landscapes and associated wildlife may now provide
greater opportunities for alternative economic-development scenarios in
temperate rainforest regions, it will be difficult to implement such alternative solutions without developing a solid scientific foundation that is
well integrated with social and cultural considerations. The parallel environments in which the contrasting cultures of North and South America
occur could provide a unique opportunity to examine how social and
cultural factors affect the relationship of natural resources and economic
development to ecosystem processes. A better understanding of these
basic human and environmental relationships is needed to provide policymakers with a much more solid information base upon which to
develop sustainable development strategies for these ecological distinct
regions.
Future Research
Asymmetries in economic and cultural factors between Chile and North
America and asymmetries in the resilience of ecosystems to human activities provide an ideal opportunity to test the effects of human activities
on ecosystem processes. As these two regions change over time, studies
need to be carried out at the forest-site scale as well as landscape and
regional scales to examine differential global change influences on the
interactions among oceanic, atmospheric, and terrestrial exchanges.
Furthermore, models for assessing the consequences of these changes for
R.G. Lawford and P.B. Alaback
comprehensive models for examining the combined effect of processes
operating at different scales and the movement of variability from one
scale to another are technically feasible, but they need to be tested and
tailored to systems operating under a number of environmental constraints. Conceptually, these interactions can be addressed by using hierarchical frame-works, while practical applications can rely on existing
models and scaling analysis.
Socioeconomic Considerations
During the past centuries, the relative geographical isolation of high- and
temperate-latitude rainforests in both hemispheres has been a key factor
in their conservation and persistence as intact landscapes. In the future,
this geographic isolation is unlikely to be effective in buffering these
forests from the impacts of the emerging social and economic pressures
that have so overwhelmed warmer and drier ecosystems throughout the
globe. Widespread investments by multinational corporations and others
during the past few decades have already brought about many fundamental
and rapid changes in high-latitude rainforest landscapes. While the relative
uniqueness of pristine landscapes and associated wildlife may now provide
greater opportunities for alternative economic-development scenarios in
temperate rainforest regions, it will be difficult to implement such alternative solutions without developing a solid scientific foundation that is
well integrated with social and cultural considerations. The parallel environments in which the contrasting cultures of North and South America
occur could provide a unique opportunity to examine how social and
cultural factors affect the relationship of natural resources and economic
development to ecosystem processes. A better understanding of these
basic human and environmental relationships is needed to provide policymakers with a much more solid information base upon which to
develop sustainable development strategies for these ecological distinct
regions.
Future Research
Asymmetries in economic and cultural factors between Chile and North
America and asymmetries in the resilience of ecosystems to human activities provide an ideal opportunity to test the effects of human activities
on ecosystem processes. As these two regions change over time, studies
need to be carried out at the forest-site scale as well as landscape and
regional scales to examine differential global change influences on the
interactions among oceanic, atmospheric, and terrestrial exchanges.
Furthermore, models for assessing the consequences of these changes for