As Temperatures Rise, West's Trees Dying Faster

New study paints dire picture for US forests which are releasing carbon dioxide—not storing it

By Kristina Loew, Newser User

Posted Jan 22, 2009 10:04 PM CST

(Newser) – America’s trees are dying at an alarming rate in the nation's western forests, a new study says. Death rates have more than doubled over the last two to three decades, Time reports, even in seemingly healthy locales. All types and sizes of trees, and at all elevations, have been affected. The likely culprit: longer, hotter summers and scarce water linked to global warming, says the US Geological study.

“If you were walking around these forests you'd think everything was fine," says one researcher. "But when you have the long view, it's very worrying.” Researchers say that large-scale die-offs are possible, a development that would release yet more carbon dioxide into the air and make the trees' plight even worse.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

File photograph near Keystone, Colo., on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. Scientists conclude damage probably caused by longer and hotter summers from a changing climate. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)

The bough of a pine trees ravaged by pine beetles is shown against the fall foliage of a stand of aspen trees near Keystone, Colo., in this file photograph taken on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)

A tree covered with snow and ice is shown in subzero temperatures on Belle Isle in Detroit, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

An environment activist acts cutting down a mock tree during a demonstration outside the venue of the U.N. climate change conference in Nusa Dua, Bali island, Indonesia, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

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We might want to think about planting a different species of trees — perhaps one from further south or lower elevations that are better adapted to warmer temperatures.
- Nathan Stephenson, a Research Ecologist

Anyway you cut it, the best solution is to get a lid on humanity's carbon output.
- Nathan Stephenson, a Research Ecologist

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As Temperatures Rise, West's Trees Dying Faster