Confronting climate change: Bioclimatic regions and plant resilience in the changing environment of Serbia

Abstract

In the face of increasing climate change, understanding its impacts on regional ecosystems is becoming increasingly important. This study investigates the bioclimatic regionalization of Serbia obtained by unsupervised machine learning methods using high-resolution CHELSA climate data. Special attention is given to the possibilities of analyzing the current impact of these zones on plant physiology and their functional traits, with a focus on key processes and stress resistance. By projecting future climate scenarios, it is also possible to assess potential changes in bioclimatic regions and their impact on the adaptation of plant species. The analysis allows the identification of areas that are particularly sensitive to significant environmental changes and regions that can provide refuge for resistant species. Recommendations for future research directions are given, highlighting the need for detailed studies of plant physiological responses and adaptations of functional traits to better inform conservation strategies. The results of these analyzes can provide a reliable framework for understanding the interactions between climate change and plant resistance and provide researchers and policy makers with important insights to effectively address and manage the evolving ecological challenges in Serbia.