California Vegetation Shows High Vulnerability to Climate Change

A study conducted by the University of California-Davis suggests most natural vegetation communities in California will experience significant climate changes by the end of this century. Some of the predicted effects are already happening, such as shifts in species population distributions and extreme weather events.

In this study, 31 “macrogroups” representing over 99% of California’s terrestrial vegetation communities were analyzed based on their vulnerability to various scenarios demonstrating future climate conditions (i.e., changes in temperature and precipitation) by 2100.

Up to 63% of these groups are highly suspectible to climate projections and may experience spatial disruption (where vegetation may relocate from unsuitable conditions), changes in reproductive lifespan,  and other traits in sensitivityand adaptive capacities.

This study, originally requested and utilized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, can contribute to better understanding of environmental changes and aid in biodiversity conservation and climate adaption. To read this report, click here.