WHITEHORSE — As climate change pushes some plants northward, a new study suggests several unique species in Yukon and Alaska could have nowhere to go.
The scientific paper, published late last month in the journal Diversity and Distributions, used models to predict how 66 plant species with origins in Beringia, an area where glaciers did not form during the last ice age because of dry conditions, could respond to changes in temperature and precipitation from now until 2040.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
Lead author Tobi Oke, a post-doctoral researcher with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada, said the loss of these plants could have broad effects on the area.The study suggests species on the western and northern edges of North America, Arctic tundra and vegetated tundra zones of most mountain ranges could experience the most drastic range losses due to climate change.
But not all plants in the region will have difficulty adapting to climate change. The study predicts up to 20 per cent of the examined species could expand their range by more than 100 per cent.“But are we willing to lose 60 per cent of our endemic, unique plant species in a region due to climate warming? I don’t think we are, and there’s mitigation opportunities there.”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Climate change could leave Yukon plants with nowhere to go: studyAs climate change pushes some plants northward, a new study suggests several unique species in Yukon and Alaska could have nowhere to go.
Read more »
Climate change could leave Yukon plants with nowhere to go: study - Terrace StandardSome plants expected to lose nearly all suitable habitat within the next two decades
Read more »
Yukon's Gavin McKenna hopes his record-breaking Canada Games inspires others | SaltWireCHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The new record holder for points in a Canada Games hockey tournament hopes others “dream big” after watching him play in Prince ...
Read more »
Yukon's Gavin McKenna hopes his record-breaking Canada Games inspires others | SaltWireGavin McKenna is the new record holder for points in a Canada Games hockey tournament, breaking the previous mark of 27 held by Quebec’s François Methot (1997) and New Brunswick’s Kelsey Tessier (2007).
Read more »
FIDDLER'S FACTS: Big crowds pack Winter Games sites | SaltWireGavin McKenna of Team Yukon puts on a show in hockey
Read more »
German mayor strikes deal to stop group's climate roadblocksThe German city of Hannover has reached an agreement with climate activists to stop blocking roads, after its mayor announced Thursday that he supports several of their demands.
Read more »