Forest Die-Off Linked to Global Warming
- Share via
Researchers believe the massive die-offs of New Mexico’s state tree, the pinyon, during the drought of 2002 and 2003 could be a harbinger of life in a warming world.
High-elevation pinyon forests that had survived previous droughts endured as much as 90% mortality during that drought, Arizona researchers reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Drought weakened the trees enough for bark beetles to kill them, and warmer temperatures -- only 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the long-term average -- appear to have contributed, the scientists found.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
