Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Management

Scientists, forest managers, and environmental policymakers need to better understand the role of drought in outbreaks of forest insects and diseases in order to anticipate the future condition of U.S. forests and to consider actions to mitigate undesirable changes. Here the authors review evidence for a role of drought in outbreaks of, and tree damage by, herbivorous insects and fungal pathogens in forests of the United States.

This issue highlights new analysis of critical seed transfer distances. Tree populations are expected to become increasingly maladapted to local climate conditions as the century progresses. In anticipation of these impacts, many jurisdictions are reviewing and revising their seed transfer systems, which provide guidance regarding the movements of seeds and seedlings for forest regeneration.

Nations voting for achieve carbon neutrality rely heavily on renewable energy. While efforts towards 100% renewable are needed, one should not be blind to the humongous task of energy storage.