An Emerging Triad: Air Pollution, Beetles, and Wildfire

This 'Science Perspectives' report, from the Pacific Southwest Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service, discusses biochemical changes in trees stressed by drought and air pollution. Such changes may attract bark beetles, overwhelming the trees' defense mechanisms and increasing their vulnerability to disease, death and the promotion of wildfires. These forest impacts are exacerbated by climate change.  

This brief (6 page) report is good introduction to the relationship between climate, forest health, wildfire, and bark beetle outbreaks.

Publication Date: Winter 2010

Authors or Affiliated Users:

• Daniel McGlynn
• Nancy Grulke

Related Organizations:

• USFS Pacific Southwest Research Station

Sectors:

• Biodiversity and ecosystems
• Forestry

Resource Category:

• Assessments

Resource Types:

• Assessment

States Affected:

• California

Impacts:

• Air quality
• Drought
• Invasive species and pests
• Wildfires

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