Climate Change and Michigan Forests

General Climate Change Impacts

Longer growing seasons, CO2 fertilization, increased drought risk, less frozen ground, increased fire risk, species range shifts, increased pests, diseases, nonnatives species

Temp change in the midwest

2-3 degrees yearly, 3-6 degrees in winters, 0-2 degrees in summers

Changes in precipitation

General increase, more winter precipitation, more large rain events/flooding

Decline Disease Spiral

Predisposing factors, inciting factors, contributing factors

Resistance

improvement of defenses against change/disturbance

Resilience

Accommodate some degree of change

Transition

Intentionally facilitate change, enhance ecosystem to respond to changing conditions

Strategies for defense against climate change

Promote diversity, improve growing space, maintain soil health, early detection of pests/pathogens, conserve unique features/habitats