A research team from the University of Vienna has concluded that climate change-induced global warming could lead to the demise of half of the tree species.
They predict that many of Europe’s common tree species may not survive the 21st century due to climate change. By 2100, the number of species that can thrive in a warmer Europe might have halved, according to this team of Austrian and German researchers.
The European beech and the Blackadder are expected to be among the most affected by climate change. Despite trees’ general resilience to climate change, a report by The Times suggests that “repeated water and heat stress weakens them, with studies linking the rising number of European tree deaths in recent years to droughts that have been exceptional in both frequency and intensity.” Additionally, rising temperatures contribute to the spread of pests and pathogens like the bark beetle.
The team analyzed data on 69 of the most common native tree species across Europe, including Ireland and the UK.
The most significant increases in temperature are expected to occur in the Mediterranean regions, especially in Spain and Greece, where tree species are already near the limits of their heat tolerance. The study suggests that the English oak is likely to continue to fare well despite climate change.
By 2100, the variety of tree species able to adapt to the changing world could decrease by 49%. If global warming emissions are reduced, the reduction in species could be limited to 33%, as per the computer model.
Currently, the world is on a path to outcomes between these two scenarios. Andrew Allen, the lead policy advocate of the Modern Trust, noted that the study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, does not take into account genetic diversity, which is high in British trees, suggesting they may be better positioned to adapt.
Relevancy?
What does this have to do with cats, or with people for that matter? At first glance, nothing, but if you look closer, everything. Climate change is having a real impact on humans and their feline friends globally. The changes may seem small, but they’re escalating. Take Britain, for instance, where winters are becoming increasingly wet and warm. As a result, my cat spends more time indoors at night, often ending up sharing my bed during these rainy nights, which, in turn, means my sleep suffers!
