Climate change in cities: impact of the urban heat island on microclimate, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in urban forests.

Below forest canopies, the microclimate is buffered from extreme temperatures. This affects
ecosystem functioning and protects plants and animals from climate change. The urban heat island
effect heats the city compared to rural areas. How this urban warming affects microclimate,
biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of urban forests is unknown and will be investigated across
three complementary spatial climate gradients.