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When climate change brings the heat, what happens to a mighty redwood?

Updated 4:04 PM ET · 3:12 PM ETConfirmed

Science Desk

In Short: A new study published in Science News reveals that redwood trees, known for their resilience, face significant challenges under extreme heat conditions, with their photosynthesis rates dropping sharply when temperatures rise.

According to the study, redwood needles can heat up to 10 degrees Celsius above the surrounding air due to sunlight absorption, leading to a roughly 50% reduction in net photosynthesis when temperatures spike from 30°C to 40°C.

The research, conducted in laboratory settings, highlights the vulnerability of redwoods to simultaneous heat waves and droughts, suggesting that a lack of water and heat could exacerbate the slowdown in photosynthesis.

Lead researcher from the study, quoted in Science News, noted, “We still don’t know what the threshold is for irreversible damage.” This uncertainty underscores the potential risks to one of California’s largest carbon stores.

Inews (United Kingdom) reported on the broader implications of climate change, noting that while earning more money might seem like a solution to financial woes, it often fails to address the underlying issues of a difficult world.

The publication emphasized the importance of finding gratitude amidst challenges, stating, “The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for.”

Al Jazeera (Qatar) reported on the human toll of extreme heat, with temperatures in some parts of the country reaching above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The publication highlighted the impact on vulnerable populations, with a spokesperson stating, “They are the first victims of the crisis we are facing,” and calling the fatalities a “tragic scourge.”

Both Science News and Al Jazeera (Qatar) underscore the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change, with Science News focusing on the ecological impact on redwoods and Al Jazeera (Qatar) emphasizing the human consequences.

While the publications differ in their specific focus, they both agree on the critical need to address the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.

The research in Science News and the reports from Al Jazeera (Qatar) highlight the interconnectedness of climate change impacts, from ecological to human, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to combat these challenges.

Background

What's confirmed

• According to the study, redwood needles can heat up to 10 degrees Celsius above the surrounding air due to sunlight absorption, leading to a roughly 50% reduction in net photosynthesis when temperatures spike from 30°C to 40°C.
• The research, conducted in laboratory settings, highlights the vulnerability of redwoods to simultaneous heat waves and droughts, suggesting that a lack of water and heat could exacerbate the slowdown in photosynthesis.
• Lead researcher from the study, quoted in Science News, noted, “We still don’t know what the threshold is for irreversible damage.” This uncertainty underscores the potential risks to one of California’s largest carbon stores.
• Inews (United Kingdom) reported on the broader implications of climate change, noting that while earning more money might seem like a solution to financial woes, it often fails to address the underlying issues of a difficult world.
• Al Jazeera (Qatar) reported on the human toll of extreme heat, with temperatures in some parts of the country reaching above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Both Science News and Al Jazeera (Qatar) underscore the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change, with Science News focusing on the ecological impact on redwoods and Al Jazeera (Qatar) emphasizing the human consequences.
• While the publications differ in their specific focus, they both agree on the critical need to address the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.
• The research in Science News and the reports from Al Jazeera (Qatar) highlight the interconnectedness of climate change impacts, from ecological to human, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to combat these challenges.

What's still developing

• Lab experiments show the rate of the sunlight-driven food making process in its needles roughly halves when temperatures rise from 30° to 40° Celsius.
• Towering coast redwoods are known for their resiliency, withstanding fire, fungus and rot to survive for centuries.
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Sources

• SciTechDailylink
• Science Newslink
• The Equation - Union of Concerned Scientistslink
• The-Racelink
• The Indian Expresslink
• Vulturelink
• Wblslink
• Androidauthoritylink
• Profootballnetworklink
• TechCrunchlink
• Silink
• Scitechdailylink
• Nerdistlink
• Al Jazeeralink
• Inewslink
• WarpBeat — background on Supreme Court Weighs Climate Change Lawsuits in New Term link
• ReaderTotal — video link