Ecology & Safety, Volume 10, 2016

Abstract: Albania is part of the Mediterranean region which is considered at high risk regarding climate change. The climate changes are expected to have greater impact on high relief areas like South West Albania. In this study plant hardiness zones are used to analyze the impact of different scenarios of climate change in their spatial extend. Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) from IPPC5 climate scenarios are used for climate modeling. The distribution and extent of plant hardiness zones was affected by the IPPC5 climate scenarios. Plant hardiness zone 10a experienced the greatest increase. In addition, a plant hardiness zone (10b) new to the current climate scenario appeared. The disappearance of some of the existing plant hardiness zones presents challenges for the survival of some plant species. On the other hand the appearance of new plant hardiness zones would affect the plant distribution in the area and presents opportunities for introducing new species.