Sierra trees dying faster due to warming

[lovuian]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20177286/

The 400-mile-long range has endured dry spells in the past, but its trees now are more likely to die during such periods because they are struggling with the effects of a new challenge — global warming.

"What surprised us are how sensitive these trees are to short-term changes in climate," said Phillip van Mantgem, an ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and author of the report. "That was kind of a shock."
more...

Millions dying this is not good

[Lorien]

1. Add those to the millions dying in thawing permafrost

and millions more being lost to deforestation. At some point the loss of trees worldwide is going to have a serious impact on every living thing on earth.

[lovuian]

2. We are seriously screwed

its going to take years to get them back if ever

[Lorien]

3. Amazing how stories like this fly under the radar

of most DUers. A thread about a couple having their 17th child and wanting more gets a hundred posts, but a thread about the environment-our home, our only home, which we are DESTROYING- gets a yawn because it just ain't sexy (I guess). I've noticed that Iraq and health care are always the top two topics when anyone in the MSM talks about the 2008 elections. Gay marriage may be listed, but the environment-once again-is getting passed by as a top issue. Granted, the others are certainly important. But Iraq will seem tame if runaway climate change occurs and countries go to war over what little natural resources are left. And health care? Yes, it's an issue that I'm very concerned about but what will we do if we can't grow food? What if a small basket of groceries ends up costing twice my monthly health insurance premium? Our very survival is on the line-not the survival of distant generations-OUR survival! Why can't that sink in?

[rodeodance]

5. slowly the cost of food prices going up (ethanol blamed) wiil/is getting to people.

[Mabus]

7. I agree

The environmental threads don't get as much attention from people as they should. The planet is our home. I don't know why people don't pay more attention. There is more news about where bottled water comes from than whether we will have potable water in the future. The more the climate changes are felt the more people will wake up. I'm just so afraid sometimes that the great awakening that is needed will be too late.

[FourScore]

4. Oh, no.

K&R.

[frylock]

6. i was just up in the emigrant wilderness this last weekend on a four-day walk..

and it was dry as hell up there. The water temp at Granite Lake (8900') had to be in the 70s.

[janx]

8. A bit OT, but

Idaho and Montana are currently experiencing really horrific fire seasons.