Boreal forests – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

June 27, 2024

Extreme wildfires have doubled in just 20 years – here’s the science

Víctor Fernández García, Université de Lausanne and Cristina Santín, Swansea University

Satellites used satellite sensors to identify the 0.01% ‘most extreme’ fires worldwide.

The combined impact of increasing temperatures (2 to 8°C by 2100) and forest development in the mixed boreal forest could modify the growth and distribution of temperate species. (Shutterstock)

November 27, 2023

Québec’s hardwood trees could move north. Here’s how that could affect the boreal forest landscape

Maxence Soubeyrand, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and Fabio Gennaretti, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

Research shows that the distribution of temperate hardwoods (sugar maple, red maple and yellow birch) could be shifting northward, which would have serious consequences for the boreal forest.

A brown bear in a Siberian boreal forest. Logan Berner

November 3, 2023

The world’s boreal forests may be shrinking as climate change pushes them northward

Ronny Rotbarth, Wageningen University; David J. Cooper, Colorado State University; Logan Berner, Northern Arizona University, and Roman Dial, Alaska Pacific University

How will Earth’s vast boreal forests look in a warmer world? Combining satellite-based research with fieldwork shows that the planet’s largest wilderness may be changing in unexpected ways.

A better understanding of the interactions between snow cover and forest will help improve hydrological models and thus ensure public protection against flooding. (Benjamin Bouchard)

October 4, 2023

Understanding the dynamics of snow cover in forests can help us predict flood risks

Benjamin Bouchard, Université Laval; Daniel Nadeau, Université Laval, and Florent Domine, Université Laval

A better understanding of the interactions between the boreal forest and snow will make it possible to improve hydrological models and ensure optimal management of the resource.

Labrador Tea is one of the boreal plants that are classified as pests or weeds. The plant is important to Indigenous communities for its healing properties. (J. Baker)

August 10, 2023

Protecting boreal plant species is a critical part of reconciliation efforts

Janelle Marie Baker, Athabasca University

Some boreal plant species are classified — and treated — as weeds, affecting Indigenous communities’ access to important cultural, medicinal and ceremonial resources.

Warmer temperatures could lengthen the growing season of trees and consequently increase their growth rate. (Shutterstock)

June 14, 2023

Climate change is making trees bigger, but also weaker

Roberto Silvestro, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) and Sergio Rossi, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

A longer growing season for trees, due to global warming, does not necessarily lead to an increase in wood production.

Lake surrounding a mining site in Northern Québec. (Maxime Thomas)

June 7, 2023

The invisible effects of human activity on nature

Maxime Thomas, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT); Hugo Asselin, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT); Mebarek Lamara, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), and Nicole Fenton, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

Human activities can affect plants and have consequences for the human populations that consume them.

Old spruce and fir forest, over 300 years old. (Maxence Martin)

May 24, 2023

The future is uncertain for our last old-growth boreal forests

Maxence Martin, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and Nicole Fenton, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)

The remoteness and small size of old-growth boreal trees should not make us forget their high ecological importance and the many threats they face.

Trees are rooted to the ground — but they move into new areas as the wind carries their seeds or seedlings are planted. (Shutterstock)

May 3, 2023

How to move without legs or wings: Helping trees migrate to new regions

Claudio Mura, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC); Patricia Raymond, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), and Sergio Rossi, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

The rapidly changing climate presents many challenges for the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Assisting the migration of trees is a tool to address these challenges.

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