This article explores the challenges faced by trees in China due to climate change, particularly highlighting the research conducted by Liu Hui at the South China Botanical Garden. It discusses the impacts of extreme heat and drought on tree survival, adaptation strategies of various species, and the broader implications for agriculture and ecosystem health. The article emphasizes the urgent need for effective climate adaptation strategies and collaborative research efforts to address the ongoing threats to biodiversity and food security.

The South China Botanical Garden, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a premier attraction in Guangzhou, housing a diverse collection of plants. In addition to its visual appeal, it serves as a national center for botanical education and research. Liu Hui, a researcher at the garden, investigates how extreme heat impacts plant adaptation, highlighting the effects of drought on trees.

In 2024, Liu and her team published two significant papers exploring the influence of extreme heat and drought on tree growth. The investigation was prompted by a severe heatwave in China during the summer of 2022, marked by unprecedented temperature records across the country. Liu’s team conducted an urgent survey of plant resilience in five key cities along the Yangtze River, where the brunt of high temperatures was felt.

The research involved sampling 131 woody species to assess approximately 60 species’ resistance to heat and drought. One significant finding was that the Japanese maple, with its thin leaves, was severely impacted, illustrating the relationship between heat intensity and leaf damage. Liu emphasized that extreme and sustained heat not only damages vegetation superficially but leads to tree mortality through dehydration processes.

As Liu described, prolonged heat causes trees to dry out, leading to air bubbles forming in their water transport vessels, the xylem, which can ultimately block water movement and result in mortality. This aligns with prior studies showing that concurrent heatwaves exacerbate dehydration damage to plant life. High temperatures interfere with photosynthesis and transpiration, essential processes for tree survival.

Beyond direct death and drought effects, climate change introduces other factors detrimental to tree and forest growth. Increased temperatures encourage the spread of pests and plant diseases, contributing to significant pressures on forest ecosystems. A study from Northern Arizona University observed that younger aspen trees face severe challenges under warming conditions, leading to fewer younger trees reaching maturity.Japanese maples are among the species that may struggle in increasingly warmer parks.

Despite climatic challenges, some trees exhibit adaptive behavior, as noted by researcher Ning Qiurui. Features such as thick leaves can help plants manage extreme heat better, as they tend to have more water and better reflective capabilities. However, changes in local ecosystems necessitate a reconsideration of urban tree planting strategies to include species capable of thriving under hotter conditions.

Researchers assert that the unpredictability of climate poses significant risks, with high temperatures disrupting plant life cycles, potentially leading to decreased agricultural yields. Studies have shown that global grain production considerably declines during periods of extreme heat or drought, emphasizing the broader implications for food security.

The alarming trend of record-high temperatures requires urgent responses, including ambitious emission reductions and enhanced climate adaptation strategies. The Chinese government is currently advancing a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, focusing on resilience in agriculture to secure food supplies. Furthermore, Liu and her colleagues aim to establish a national network for monitoring plant damage from weather extremes but face resource limitations that hinder progress.

In conclusion, the challenges posed by climate change are severely affecting China’s trees, threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Continued research, adaptation strategies, and collaborative efforts are crucial in addressing these pressing issues and mitigating the impacts of future climate-related events.

To summarize, the increasing temperatures and prolonged droughts exacerbated by climate change are causing significant stress on tree populations in China and beyond. Despite some trees being capable of adaptation, the overarching uncertainty of climate patterns poses critical risks. The need for comprehensive climate strategies, research funding, and resource support is paramount to safeguard forest ecosystems and agricultural viability in an uncertain future.

Original Source: www.eco-business.com

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