Death Rate of Forests Doubles, Scientists Find
Imagine if the death rate in your neighborhood doubled. You’d notice.
Scientists are concerned by the ominous results of a 50-year study of forests in the Western United States that finds the tree death rate has doubled since 1991. But why? For once, loggers aren’t to blame. This isn’t industry. This isn’t like anything that’s happened before – not an isolated incident or something reasonably blamed on a unforeseen event. It’s widespread, it’s conclusive, and all signs point to global warming.
Many of the world’s important forests are threatened by climate change and deforestation. Forests are vital global carbon sinks, making their preservation all the more important in light of global warming trends. For example, the Boreal Forest of North America is so vast, it is considered the “lungs” of the planet.
The scientists, operating with the U.S. Geological Survey, monitored trees for generations, carefully counting them by hand. They found that the death rate of trees increased across species and was not related to other factors, such as normal forest growth patterns, fire suppression, or pollution. Pines do appear to be the most sensitive, however. Equally troubling is the fact that it appears these dying trees release more carbon than they absorb.
It’s another sign of widespread ecosystem collapse, say scientists. Other indicators include:
Mass animal deaths, most recently, falling pelicans, but several dolphin suicide cases as well.
Coral bleaching, which threatens the oceans globally.
Early spring arrival, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. This affects people as well as animals.
Spreading disease, such as malaria, in many impoverished areas of the world.
Mysterious honey bee disappearance, up to a third of bees in some places, affecting the food supply.
Carbon dioxide levels are at the highest they have been in over 650,000 years. One of the scientists in the study says, “”The concern here is that these might be early warning signs of dieback.” Western forests have also been weakened by beetles that typically infest forest tracts in warmer climates.
Says marine physicist Tim Barnett, who studies beetles, “it is perfectly reasonable to assume that this problem is going to get worse, not better.”
Having spent most of my childhood in the Cascades of Washington State and the Siskiyous of Northern California, the thought of these magnificent forests dying is surreal.
What are some things we can do?
- Take overall lifestyle steps to reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Travel less, downsize to a more efficient car, eat meat less often, perform a home energy audit, shop less, buy secondhand, green and/or refurbished jewelry, furniture and electronics, eat local food when you can, and purchase carbon credits when you do travel. You don’t have to give up your SUV or subsist on tofu, but even focusing on reducing consumption helps.
- Petition to protect forests in threatened zones, such as the Heritage forests in Oregon.
- Only buy wood products from sustainably harvested forests.
- Get involved with an environmental group you trust. Whether it’s the Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation or National Wildlife Foundation, take a little time to learn about issues that are important to you, and consider volunteering your time to help.
- Let mainstream media know that you are concerned about such warning signs and want them to cover these issues. Here’s how to contact the big ones: CNN, MSNBC, ABC, Fox.
- Spread the word. If you live in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico or another western state, send this article to your state representatives and encourage your friends to do the same.
Images: diemer, utubelaughter, lizasreef, beachbumpirate, dvice, ahmad naeem khan
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3 Comments
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:56 am
Like putting your finger on the pulse of a human, listening to the heartbeat of nature tells us much, and what we are seeing lately is a very unhealthy ecosystem. The signs are there that we are not treating this planet with respect, yet some continue to chant, “it’s only a temporary aberration”, and the sad fact is that by the time all the evidence is in it may be too late to change.
It’s up to all of us to alter our pattern of living to be more respectful of the planet and to be more aware of the fragile nature of our ecology – before it’s too late.
Global Patriot’s last blog post..Blessed Unrest – Insight #2
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 am
Thanks for the comment GP.
I really don’t like to be doom and gloom, but I also think it’s vital that we don’t avoid discussing this kind of news. If anyone else has additional ideas for proactive things people can do, please feel free to pitch in.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Well, I could be wrong but if current warming is killing trees, then how can past proxy tree records be used to prove it is hotter now then it was then? It would appear that tree growth is an inverted U with cold at one side and warm at the other.
Without the tree ring proxies, proof of AWG and current temperature changes does not exist.
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