Climate change is not good for our forests

The latest U.S. National Climate Assessment shows that winters have warmed three times faster than summers in the Northeast in recent years. This means less snow. And less snow - particularly in snow packs - has been found to impair tree health and reduce forests’ ability to filter air and water, which affects water and air quality. Trees don't grow as well and less carbon is stored.

All species need insulation when winter comes. Tree roots and soil organisms like insects rely on deep snow packs for protection from cold. Even in sub-zero temperatures, if snow is sufficiently deep, soils can remain unfrozen.

When roots decompose, carbon dioxide leaves the soil. Trees take up fewer nutrients from soil, accumulate the toxic element aluminum in their leaves and produce less branch growth. Nitrogen, a key nutrient, can wash out of soils. Soil insect communities become less abundant and diverse.

Another thing to worry about today.