Trees and Plants

Drought and constantly increasing temperature are extending fire seasons for many areas. Some places haven't seen rain for months. Folsom Lake in California is at 58% capacity and is decreasing by nine inches a day (Web Source 27). Although locals are hoping for a change in weather, it probably will not happen. California is in the mists of one of the worsts droughts ever recorded (Web Source 28). With no rain insight, environmentalists are starting to warn residents about the increased fire danger-even after fire season is so called "over". California has already had a tough year, while this summer, dangerous wildfires spread across Colorado due to abnormally dry conditions. Thousands of miles away, Australia has also been hit hard. The Australian government claims that climate change had nothing to do with the fires, but researchers are thinking otherwise (Web Source 29).

Trees are very important to the environment. Not only do they provide us with shade and food, they also have the ability to take in carbon dioxide and other pollutants and, in return, change it to oxygen. "In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 [carbon dioxide] produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles"(Web Source 31, 32). Many trees are now being cut down for paper and wood. This also decreases the number of trees that are able to help combat climate change. Trees are also able to help save water and cool down homes, as well as cities. We might not think about it much, but without trees, we'd live in a very different world. Through planting trees, that are able to survive in warmer climates, we are able to do our part in fighting climate change.

Researchers have been studying the effects of climate change on plants all over the world. So far they have discovered that the overall effects are negative, though few species are thriving in the warmer temperatures. Some species, like ivy, have possible adapted to the warmer climate. Other species continue, however, to struggle. Plants in need of cooler temperatures are being exposed to increasing temperatures are dying quicker than ever. Also researchers suggest that because of more and more trees being cut down, forests are becoming less dense and more susceptible for heat consumption (Web Sources 22, 30). As temperatures get warmer, scientists expect that we see a huge change in plant species all over the world.

Climate change can have devastating effects on plants and trees, particularly crops. With already high temperature in the American south, farmers and ranchers are doing everything they can to save their crops from drying up. The problem is, many of the lower states are already experiencing water shortages, and unfortunately, it's spreading. With not enough water, important crops are drying up, causing inflation in food prices and costing many farmers their jobs. Many low income families are also not able to buy fresh produce. However, not just crops are affected. Drought affects hay production as well; cows depend on hay to survive. With the rising prices of hay, farmers are taking on fewer and fewer herds of cattle, resulting once again, as an inflation of dairy products. Flooding in the eastern parts of the United States have also decreased crop numbers, as well as areas affected by tornados, extreme cold freezes, and hurricanes.

Thriving or Dying?