Trees are magnificent organisms that have evolved very slowly over millions of years, making it hard for them to adapt to rapid changes in the environment. With climate change imminent, scientists estimate up to 25% of US forests will decline over the next three decades.
In “Future of Forest,” the first film of this 2-part series, we introduce the viewer to forests, the essential services they provide to humans and the planet, and the many ways in which climate change is threatening the health and productivity of our forests. For example, as global temperatures increase, pest or pathogen invasion and drought stress also increases. The researchers in the film present a few solutions that stakeholders are considering to make forests more resilient to these threats, including the use of biotechnology.