Scientists are masters of understatement:
Findings of relatively slow tree migration rates in response to historical changes in climate (potentially < 100 m per year) are unfortunate in light of model predictions of how fast tree species will need to migrate to track current climates under climate change scenarios.*
Dead Conifers on West Mesa after Cedar Fire (May, 2004) Photo by Heather Karnes-Schmalbach
Dead trees in Thornham, Norfolk
Aerial view of the once lush forests of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
Dead trees show the beetles' paths through an otherwise healthy forest. (USDA Forestry Service)
Peter Essick/Getty Images
Dead ponderosa
*Aitken, S N, S Yeaman, J A Holliday, T Wang, and S Curtis-McLane. “Adaptation, Migration or Extirpation: Climate Change Outcomes for Tree Populations.” Evolutionary Applications 1, no. 1 (2008): doi:10.1111/j.1752-4571.2007.00013.x.