Over half of tree species in the eastern U.S. forests aren’t adapting to climate change as quickly or consistently as once predicted, according to Duke University researchers. Almost 59% of the species examined in a study by Duke University showed signs that their geographic ranges are shrinking from both the north and south.
“Many models have suggested that trees will migrate rapidly to higher latitudes and elevations in response to warming temperatures, but evidence for a consistent, climate-driven northward migration is essentially absent in this large analysis,” said James S. Clark, a Professor of Environment at Duke University.
Only about 21% appeared to be shifting northward as predicted, the researchers said. “Warm zones have shifted northward by up to 62 miles in some parts of the eastern United States, but our results do not inspire confidence that tree populations are tracking those changes,” Clark said.
The study’s findings show “a lack of evidence for climate-mediated migration, and should increase concern for the risks posed by climate change,” according to Clark.