Climate Change and Historical Forest Growth Changes in the US and Canada (FS-22-10)

The forest products sector depends on predictable tree growth to ensure the supply of raw materials. Factors associated with climate change, such as rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a prolonged growing season, and changes in temperature, precipitation, and natural disturbance regimes (duration, intensity, and frequency), are already changing the growth rate of trees, which can alter wood properties and harvest rotation ages. Furthermore, how these factors interact will vary by species and region, and will change over time. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of current knowledge about historical changes in forest growth and suggests how continuing changes may impact future fiber supply.

Download Fact Sheet: Climate Change and Historical Forest Growth Changes in the US and Canada

Authored by Craig Loehle, Ph.D. and Kevin Solarik, Ph.D. 

Keywords: climate change, forest growth, productivity, carbon dioxide