CLIMATE RESILIENCE
TOUGH TREES TAKE ON A CHANGING WORLD
NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
Fundy Biosphere Region in New Brunswick, Canada, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and extreme tides, is facing the increasing negative effects of climate change. To safeguard its iconic forests, local organizations are joining forces to ensure these ecosystems remain resilient. Everywhere you go look for conservation efforts that you can support to preserve today’s natural beauty for tomorrow.
What's
changing
Floods, droughts, and fires are weakening forest resilience as climate change accelerates faster than ecosystems and species can adapt. Identifying and planting native trees resilient to rising temperatures and extreme weather can reduce the cascading effects of climate change on ecosystems.
What's already
possible
In New Brunswick, scientists working with the Fundy Biosphere Region's “Forests of the Future” program research and plant Wabanaki Forest tree species that can withstand a changing climate. Mixed forests pull carbon dioxide out of the air and are crucial for wildlife habitat. Healthy trees cool and clean water in the streams and rivers that support species like the region’s endangered Atlantic salmon.
Seizing
the opportunity
Fundy Biosphere Region teamed up with Mount Allison University to analyze and identify native trees that would be most resilient to changing weather patterns predicted for the next 100 years. Researchers found that boreal species such as spruce and balsam fir are at risk of disappearing from the Wabanaki forest, while identifying eight trees that will likely thrive. The Fundy Biosphere Region team is now focusing on planting these resilient varieties.
Standout
tactic
The program’s findings are documented in a database that is open for anyone in the region to find recommended trees to plant.
How
it helps
In the last 3 years, conservationists have planted more than 45,000 trees in the area, following the “Forests of the Future” program’s recommendations. As tree planting continues, the biosphere team is setting up its own nurseries to meet the growing demand.
Diving
deeper
How can initiatives like the “Forests of the Future” program, which focus on research and tree planting for climate resilience, be balanced with broader and more immediate climate action efforts? Do these localized efforts risk diverting attention and resources from larger systemic changes needed to combat climate change effectively?
Increasing
impact
Proactive research programs are expanding their impacts by collaborating with local governments to integrate the program’s findings into urban planning and development projects.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
