How are forests responding to climate change?

Climate change is increasing the threats to forests. Heat, drought, wildfires, diseases, and insects are some of the main culprits harming our forests. In some states, there are hundreds of millions of standing dead trees.

While active forest management isn’t the sole solution, it is a vital tool to help mitigate these threats. For example, sustainable forest management (SFM) practices, such as fuel-reduction treatments, fuel breaks, and forest roads, help mitigate the risk of severe wildfires. Investment in resilient seedlings and research-based management practices enhance forest productivity and resistance to climate change impacts.

Without immediate and sustained action, forest mortality will continue, and more forests will likely succumb to severe wildfire.