Overlapping forest diseases threaten U.S. trees, study finds
In the U.S., multiple insect and bacterial epidemics are simultaneously damaging forests, a new study reports.
Key facts
- The study reports overlapping epidemics of insects and bacteria in American forests.
- Global trade is identified as a pathway for these pests and pathogens.
- Afforestation and reforestation have added over 300 million hectares of forest cover worldwide.
- Afforestation and reforestation removed about 2.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Social and institutional barriers limit the potential of new forests to capture CO₂.
A recent study reports that American forests are experiencing multiple epidemics at the same time. The diseases are caused by insects and bacteria. The report highlights the severity of the situation.
The study attributes the spread of these pests and pathogens to global trade. Insects and bacteria can be transported across borders through imported goods. The report notes that trade increases the risk of new diseases entering the country.
The overlapping epidemics threaten tree health and forest structure. Declining trees reduce the forest’s ability to store carbon. The study suggests that forest health is essential for climate mitigation.
Afforestation and reforestation have expanded forest cover by more than 300 million hectares worldwide. These efforts have removed about 2.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ each year. The data come from a review of global afforestation projects.
A study led by Wenkai Bao at LMU found that social and institutional challenges limit the potential of new forests to capture CO₂. Poverty, food insecurity, insecure land rights and weak governance are cited as major constraints. The study was published in One Earth.
The study highlights the importance of protecting existing forests. It emphasizes that forest health is essential for climate mitigation.
Context
Forest diseases can spread through trade and threaten carbon storage. Afforestation has grown forest cover globally, but social constraints limit its effectiveness.
How outlets headlined it
How this was made
Compiled by our AI newsroom from 2 independent outlets, checked by a separate AI editor against the sources. Only claims found in the sources are reported. Spot an error? Every source is linked below.
Correction or source request? simoneggert16@gmail.com
Open reader debate: Factual contributions and additions are synchronized directly in real time across all readers.
Loading contributions from cloud server…
Reader Discussion & Community Notes