Researchers are discovering ‘zombie forests’ in new places across the western U.S. — here’s what makes that so concerning
Researchers are discovering 'zombie forests' in new places across the western U.S. — here's what makes that so ... Yahoo News
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Impact of Rising Temperatures on California’s Coniferous Forests
It’s no secret that our warming atmosphere has resulted in extreme weather all over the world, but there’s also a less noticeable consequence at work as well. Rising ambient temperatures mean that thousands of coniferous forests in California will be unable to replenish their numbers once they die.
What exactly is a “zombie forest”?
A “zombie forest” refers to a group of trees (usually a specific species) that are unable to effectively produce new saplings and seedlings due to a warming climate.
This problem tends to be regional, and California specifically has seen an increasing number of these so-called zombie forests. Thousands of ponderosa pines, sugar pines, and Douglas fir trees will eventually be replaced with species of trees that are better suited to a hotter planet.
In the Sierra Nevada region, it is estimated that at least a fifth of these coniferous trees are now unsuited for the region’s increasing temperature. And even in best-case scenarios, the number of these trees living “outside their climate” is likely to double in 77 years.
Why is this happening?
The burning of coal, oil, and gas to power our cities and vehicles is to blame for the endless record-breaking temperatures all over the globe. When these dirty fuels are burned for energy, they release polluting gases into the atmosphere. Once there, they trap excessive heat from the sun, and thus, the temperature of Earth increases.
Is there anything to be done?
States and local governments can create forest management strategies that can hopefully mitigate the harm that may emerge from these forests dying off.
Beyond that, switching our energy sources from dirty fuels like oil, coal, and gas to renewable sources like solar panels and wind farms can help. Additionally, nuclear reactors could also help offset the demand for oil and gas.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- Target 13.b: Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing states.
The article discusses the impact of rising temperatures on coniferous forests in California, which is a consequence of climate change. This directly relates to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
The targets mentioned above are relevant as they focus on strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards, integrating climate change measures into policies and planning, improving education and awareness on climate change, and promoting capacity building for effective climate change management.
No specific indicators are mentioned in the article, but indicators such as the number of forest management strategies implemented, the inclusion of climate change measures in policies and planning documents, and the increase in awareness and education programs can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
The article suggests that switching to renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind farms can help mitigate the harm caused by the dying forests. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The targets mentioned above are relevant as they focus on increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and improving energy efficiency.
No specific indicators are mentioned in the article, but indicators such as the percentage increase in renewable energy consumption and the rate of improvement in energy efficiency can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action |
|
No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy |
|
No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.yahoo.com
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