Trees 'shield vulnerable species from climate change'

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24761801



Forests with dense canopies create a microclimate that protects a variety of cold-adapted plant species from warming air temperatures, a study has shown.

Researchers found plants that favoured cooler conditions fared better under dense canopies than in ones that were more open to the elements.

They added that these conditions could be a "critical mechanism" in the conservation of forest plant diversity.

The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[Benton D Struckcheon]

1. No quicker way to lower your a/c bill...

…than by having a few large, deciduous trees along your southern exposure. On top of the shade, the leaves also evaporate a large amount of water, so that you also get an evaporative cooling effect. On days when it's hot and dry, if you have good shade, when you walk onto your property it will be like you're walking into a different climate.