The Ecological and Economic Challenges of Preserving Forests, Water Resources and Biodiversity in the Context of Climate Change
Shevchenko O. V.

Shevchenko, Oleksandr V. (2025) “The Ecological and Economic Challenges of Preserving Forests, Water Resources and Biodiversity in the Context of Climate Change.” The Problems of Economy 1:374–381.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-0712-2025-1-374-381

Section: Economics of Natural Resources and Environment

UDC 551.583:502.5:630*18

Abstract:
The article examines a comprehensive analysis of the current state of natural capital and determines the impact of global climate change on the functioning of ecosystems. The primary focus is on assessing the role of forest areas in forming the carbon balance through the absorption of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen; the preservation of biological diversity, protection of soils and water bodies from degradation, as well as the provision of ecological services that enhance the quality of life for the population. The application of comparative analysis and forecasting methods has shown that rising temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and increasing extreme weather events cause significant changes in the structure of forest and water resources, negatively affecting their productivity and sustainability. It is found that, despite significant natural resource potential, the uneven distribution of forests and insufficient utilization of their capabilities create additional risks for the economic stability of regions. The research pays special attention to the connection between climate change and biological diversity, as the disruption of the natural balance of ecosystems leads to a reduction in the distribution ranges of certain species, the emergence of invasive species, and a decrease in the adaptive capacities of living organisms. Biodiversity, which is key to ecological sustainability, can mitigate the impacts of climate change, but its loss poses a potential threat to the functioning of natural systems. Consequently, the integration of economic and ecological approaches becomes necessary for developing effective strategies for conserving natural capital, which will enable sustainable development and adaptation of ecosystems to climate change. The research findings indicate the need for implementing innovative management solutions aimed at optimizing the use of forest and water resources, as well as preserving biological diversity in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. The developed models of ecological and economic analysis allow for the identification of the main factors affecting the resilience of natural systems and propose a set of measures that will assist in reducing the negative impacts of anthropogenic influences and climate change. This study represents an important step towards the development of integrated approaches to natural resource management, which have significant potential for enhancing environmental security and economic stability in the region.

Keywords: forest resources, water resources, biological diversity, climate change, ecological and economic approach, sustainable development, ecosystem adaptation, natural resource management.

Fig.: 1. Tabl.: 2. Bibl.: 15.

Shevchenko Oleksandr V. – Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor, Associate Professor, Department of Geodesy and Cartography, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (15 Heroiv Oborony Str., Kyiv, 03041, Ukraine)
Email: shevchenko_ov90@ukr.net

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