Forest Disease Impacts Vary in a Warmer Climate

The level of impact of forest diseases under climate change in the western U.S. and Canada depends on the disease, according to a recent report by the U.S. Forest Service. The report predicts the effects on forests of eight different diseases under two scenarios: a warmer and wetter climate, and a warmer and drier climate. Sudden oak death and related diseases favor moist and warm conditions and will thus be a much higher risk in a warmer, wetter climate. In a warmer and drier climate, however, armillaria root disease—common in conifers and other hardwoods—and cytospora canker of alder will likely be the most damaging.