How does climate change impact forestry?

The impact of climate change on forestry is multifaceted, and one of the most significant effects is the alteration of growth patterns and increased susceptibility to pests. As climate conditions shift—such as rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events—trees and forest ecosystems respond in various ways. For instance, warmer temperatures may result in faster growth in some regions, but they can also lead to stress conditions that weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to diseases and pest outbreaks.

More specifically, climate change can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, potentially favoring pest species that thrive in warmer conditions or are introduced to new areas where they previously did not exist. This imbalance can lead to increased mortality rates in trees and reduced overall forest health. Forest management practices need to adapt to these changes in order to mitigate risks associated with pests and diseases and to maintain sustainable forestry practices.

Thus, understanding how climate change alters growth patterns and increases pest susceptibility is critical for effective forestry management, making this the correct answer to the question.