Slower-growing trees. More severe fires. More bark beetle outbreaks. A lot more dead trees. And big changes in where various tree species are dominant in southwestern U.S. forests.
This is the worrisome forecast suggested for southwestern forests if temperature and aridity rise as projected, according to research published today by U.S. Geological Survey and other federal and university researchers in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
“Forests in the southwestern United States may experience all of these changes because they appear particularly sensitive to warming temperatures and increased dryness,” said USGS research ecologist Craig D. Allen, a co-author of the report. “The presence of forest vegetation in semi-arid regions, like the U.S. Southwest, starts with the availability of adequate moisture, which depends on both precipitation and temperature.”
I know the story is about the SW, but ice storms are a bigger threat to trees in the Southeast than gorebal climate change. I remember a massive ice storm in the early 70s in NC that trashed the place. The next spring and summer the beetles moved in and had a field day with the trees that remained.
Warmer temperatures lead to more growth and healthier trees with enough water. Cold weather stunts growth and does more for restricting variety than warmth.
yeah yeah yeah yada yada yada heard it all before, not listening, not hearing, tell it to the finger.
I can only think that these climateologists and all of these politicians have a HUGE stake in making this global warming thing stick. I mean a monetary stake, as in HUGE amounts of $$$ to be made. Otherwise, why go to these extremes trying to prove something that is unprovable? It’s all about money, money, money.