Search

The article looks at the role of North American temperate and boreal forest management in global warming mitigation, noting the carbon dioxide sequestration capacity of old-growth forests. North American forests face challenges including the loss of old-growth trees, increased mortality due to pests such as the mountain pine beetle in the Western States, and climate change. Scientists are concerned that climate change could alter the species composition of forests from a carbon sink to a carbon source with a more heat-absorbing tree canopy of conifers. Forest researchers have been studying the recovery of forests from natural disturbances such as fire, wind storms, and volcanoes for ideas for effective forest restoration and conservation practices.

The article presents information on a research study conducted on forest giants, which reveals, that giant trees possess an incredible ability to store water in their stems. They use that water, or refill their bodies with it in times of increased temperature, or during heatwaves. The author also mentions about forest mortality due to fire.

The article reflects on the impact of global warming on forests. It states that climatic changes are causing extensive forest death. Increasing drought and heat stress have resulted in widespread tree mortality. To control the situation, a multidisciplinary approach from various sections including ecologists, biogeochemists, hydrologists, economists, and social and climate scientists, is needed.