Even desert plants known for their resilience are burning and dying in the heat
Severe heat waves in the Southwest US are damaging resilient desert plants like saguaro cacti and agave, leading to die-offs and raising concerns about the long-term health of desert ecosystems.
Read original article
Increasingly severe heat waves in the Southwest United States are adversely affecting desert plants traditionally known for their resilience, such as saguaro cacti and agave. These plants, which thrive in harsh conditions, are now showing signs of stress and damage due to prolonged periods of extreme heat. Local horticulturists, like Norm Schilling in Las Vegas, have observed unprecedented heat-related damage to various species, including sunburned shrubs and dying trees. Record-breaking temperatures, including a high of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in July, have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant die-offs among iconic desert flora. Ecologists are investigating how different species respond to these extreme conditions, noting a concerning increase in saguaro mortality since 2020, coinciding with a severe megadrought. The cumulative effects of repeated heat waves, combined with insufficient recovery time due to consistently high nighttime temperatures, are raising alarms about the long-term viability of these plants. Experts emphasize that while saguaros are not likely to face extinction, the negative impacts of climate change on their health are troubling. The situation highlights the need for increased awareness and action to enhance climate resilience in desert ecosystems.
- Desert plants like saguaro cacti and agave are suffering from extreme heat due to climate change.
- Record temperatures in the Southwest have led to unprecedented damage and die-offs among resilient plant species.
- Ecologists are studying the long-term effects of repeated heat exposure on desert flora.
- The cumulative impact of extreme heat and drought is raising concerns about the health of desert ecosystems.
- Increased awareness and action are needed to improve climate resilience in these environments.
Related
How extreme heat affects human health: A research roundup (2023)
Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. President Biden issued a Hazard Alert to protect workers. Mitigation strategies include reducing emissions and enhancing community support during heat waves.
US heatwave smashes records as 'extreme fire weather' fuels new blazes
A deadly heatwave in the US west causes four deaths in Oregon, breaks temperature records, and fuels wildfires. Over 146 million Americans face extreme heat alerts, with California battling significant blazes. Global warming trends exacerbate the situation, urging caution.
First local extinction due to sea level rise identified in the US
The Key Largo tree cactus, Pilosocereus millspaughii, has gone extinct in the US due to sea level rise, storms, and herbivory. Efforts are made to conserve related species facing similar threats.
Increasingly Frequent Ocean Heat Waves Trigger Mass Die-Offs of Sealife
Ocean heat waves are causing mass die-offs of sealife, distressing marine scientists. Rising temperatures lead to millions of marine species deaths, impacting ecosystems globally. Researchers witness seabirds starving, prompting urgent action.
Rising seas wiped out an entire US species
Scientists confirm the extinction of Key Largo tree cactus in the US due to sea level rise and storms, a first for these causes. Efforts to save failed, signaling broader climate change threats.
3 commentsRelated
How extreme heat affects human health: A research roundup (2023)
Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. President Biden issued a Hazard Alert to protect workers. Mitigation strategies include reducing emissions and enhancing community support during heat waves.
US heatwave smashes records as 'extreme fire weather' fuels new blazes
A deadly heatwave in the US west causes four deaths in Oregon, breaks temperature records, and fuels wildfires. Over 146 million Americans face extreme heat alerts, with California battling significant blazes. Global warming trends exacerbate the situation, urging caution.
First local extinction due to sea level rise identified in the US
The Key Largo tree cactus, Pilosocereus millspaughii, has gone extinct in the US due to sea level rise, storms, and herbivory. Efforts are made to conserve related species facing similar threats.
Increasingly Frequent Ocean Heat Waves Trigger Mass Die-Offs of Sealife
Ocean heat waves are causing mass die-offs of sealife, distressing marine scientists. Rising temperatures lead to millions of marine species deaths, impacting ecosystems globally. Researchers witness seabirds starving, prompting urgent action.
Rising seas wiped out an entire US species
Scientists confirm the extinction of Key Largo tree cactus in the US due to sea level rise and storms, a first for these causes. Efforts to save failed, signaling broader climate change threats.