- Climate change: effect on forests could last millennia, ancient ruins suggest. Forests are home to 80% of land-based biodiversity, but these arks of life are under threat. The rising average global temperature is forcing tiny plants to shift upslope in search of cooler climes. https://theconversation.com/climate-change-effect-on-forests-could-last-millennia-ancient-ruins-suggest-176994 14 comments science