Our Trees Are Dying Faster Than Ever

If researchers are correct, we’ll be seeing more of this in the years ahead.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Courtesy: University Of Washington

Troubling news about the long term health of our forests.

Our trees are dying faster than ever. New research shows the mortality rate for trees in the Pacific Northwest has doubled over 17 years. And if the scientists are right, global warming is the underlying cause.

At first glance, the number of trees dying off may seem small. Mark Harmon at Oregon State University says, “We may only be talking about an annual tree mortality rate changing from 1 percent a year to 2 percent a year, an extra tree here and there. But over time a lot of small numbers can add up. The ultimate implications for our forests and environment are huge.”

How huge? For a stand of 100 trees, a 1 percent death rate means about 60 trees are left after 50 years. Double that to 2 percent, and only 36 trees remain. So while you and I may not notice the impact in our lifetimes, you can bet the next generation will notice.

Trees come under attack from a variety of problems, such as fires, disease, drought, pollution and insects. But the researchers say the were able to rule out all of these factors as causes for the long term decline we’re experiencing.

Even more worrisome, the trend could get worse. As trees die off, they’re unable to absorb carbon dioxide and may release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This could lead to even more global warming.

The findings will be published in the January 23 issue of the journal Science.