At the University of Exeter, researcher Rebecca Koll is setting conifer trees on fire to learn more about forest fires. As wildfires become more common and intense due to climate change, understanding how plants react to stress is crucial.
Koll and her team believe that climate change isn’t just affecting the environment; it’s also altering the plants themselves. Increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation may change leaf chemistry, causing trees to produce more volatile compounds—chemicals that can increase flammability. Recent studies have indicated that even food crops react to UV radiation by boosting these compounds, suggesting a similar response in conifers like pine trees.
Although efforts to repair the ozone layer help, UV radiation exposure has been increasing, particularly in northern and eastern Europe. Researchers expect this trend to worsen in the coming decades. Koll’s project aims to expose 87 species of conifer trees to UVB radiation levels three times what they’re currently experiencing. This way, they can better understand changes in leaf chemistry and how these changes affect flammability.
The trees are kept in a controlled environment where they receive optimal temperature and water while facing varying UV exposure. After several weeks, the trees will be evaluated for changes in their chemistry and then tested for how easily they burn.
As Koll notes, the way plants respond could point to why forest fires are worsening. “It’s not just about drought; it’s about how we’re changing the plants by impacting the climate,” she says.
Matthew Robson from the University of Cumbria echoes this sentiment. He believes this research could illuminate how climate affects tree flammability, a topic that hasn’t been studied deeply. This kind of knowledge is essential for understanding wildfire risks, especially in coniferous forests, which cover much of the northern hemisphere.
Recent statistics show that wildfires have been on the rise globally, with the U.S. Forest Service reporting a 10% increase in the number of wildfires in the last two decades. As the climate continues to change, such research holds the potential to uncover crucial insights into the future of our forests and fire management strategies. For more in-depth insights into forest fire trends, visit the World Resources Institute.
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climate change,wildfires,forests
