drought – Page 2 – envirobites

We know that plants flower in spring, but when exactly? And does climate change impact this timing? Is this pattern consistent across the world and can we expect it to be the same in all plants? A new study identifies how flowering time in different plant types responds to changes in climate over the years.

Climate Environmental Science

The Dynamic Duo: Pine trees partner with fungal communities to survive climate change

November 29, 2017November 28, 2017 Elizabeth Brannon 0 Comments Climate Change, drought, Fungal communities, Trees

With climate change comes increased drought, which can have serious consequences on many species. This study examined whether one tree species, the Pinyon pine, can rely on a relationship with fungal communities in its roots to survive drought conditions. Does the relationship last? Read on to find out.

Case Studies Climate Environmental Science

From bad to worse: nitrogen deposition amplifies negative impacts of drought in California’s biodiversity hotspots

October 25, 2017October 25, 2017 Pernilla Borgstrom 0 Comments Climate Change, coastal sage scrub, drought, nitrogen deposition

The release of excess nitrogen into nature, for example through fossil fuel combustion, still gets relatively little attention in the public debate about biodiversity threats, especially compared to climate change and habitat destruction. But human-driven nitrogen increases in natural ecosystems demand our attention, as they can worsen the negative effects of climate change in biodiversity hotspots, and threaten some already endangered species.

Case Studies Climate Environmental Science Science through time

Thirsty trees are more susceptible to damaging beetle infestation

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017 Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis 0 Comments alpine forests, beetle outbreak, Climate Change, drought, long-term monitoring, satellite data

Summer, winter, and multi-year drought events initiate outbreaks of the damaging spruce beetle. Droughts suppress the ability of trees to produce chemicals to defend themselves against the fatal bugs.