Southern Siberia faces growing risk of ecosystem degradation

Southern parts of Siberia could face significant desertification in the coming decades due to the effects of global warming, experts have warned.

According to the Telegram channel SHOT, specialists say the most vulnerable areas are the southern zones of the taiga, where increasing aridity has already been observed. Even a slight rise in average temperatures could accelerate moisture evaporation, leading to chronic water stress in trees, slower growth, and reduced capacity for regeneration.

Researchers highlight the compounded threat posed by heat, drought, wildfires, and insect infestations. Under such conditions, dense taiga forests could gradually degrade—first into sparse woodland, and eventually into forest-steppe or steppe landscapes.

Experts caution that these changes could have serious consequences for the region’s ecosystem. A number of animal and bird species may be affected, including reindeer, Siberian musk deer, white-tailed eagle, and osprey.

At the same time, analysts stress that this does not imply the complete disappearance of the Siberian taiga. Different regions—including Western Siberia, Yakutia, Central Siberia, and Altai—are evolving under varying climate scenarios.

If current climate trends persist, southern Siberia could gradually lose a significant share of its coniferous forests, with ecosystem recovery likely to take centuries.

By Tamilla Hasanova