Climate Change and the Forests of the West

Sent in by Lonewolf, this is a really good video on what is happening with the forests in the West by Dr. Steve Running.

If you like facts, science and good commentary, definitely watch this.

Although from 2010, it’s even more valid today as truly huge temperature changes are taking place.

I got a chance to watch this all the way through, since being in the West will definitely be of interest to me. What is happening in our forests is very scary.

But it doesn’t end there, it is affecting streams, rivers, and the forests are becoming a net source (versus sink) of carbon emissions, especially during the huge wildfires now occurring.

The situation of course, is only worsening as the climate continues to warm up. The loss of the winter snow pack means huge fires, insect infestations and damage to riparian areas. The total impact is only just now being fully grasped.

Thousands of miles away, Pine Island glacier (Antarctica) just broke off a gigantic iceberg – 720 square kilometers – another reminder that it is warmer now virtually “everywhere”.