Pests & Disease
Weeds, insects, and diseases already have large negative impacts on our natural resources (agricultural lands/livestock, forests, recreational areas) and human health. There is mounting evidence that climate change will exacerbate these negative impacts. Ongoing increases in temperature and changes in precipitation patterns will induce new conditions that will affect insect populations, incidence of pathogens, and the geographic distribution of insects, weeds and diseases. Elevated CO2 boosts weed growth, adding to the potential for increased competition between crops and weeds. Projected increases in the frequency and severity of drought events will likely result in greater tree mortality from insects as water stress reduces a tree’s ability to defend again boring insects. Climate change is also expected to affect the geographical distribution and incidence of vector-borne diseases in the United States including increased risk of Lyme disease. Given the economic, ecological, and public health impacts of these pests, further research is needed to better understand the interactions among climate change, land-use patterns, and pest impacts and how best to mitigate the negative impacts.
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Spruce Beetle Outbreaks and Climate Change in Alaska
Climate change is increasing the intensity and size of spruce beetle outbreaks in Alaska, increasing impacts on spruce…
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Reducing Spruce Beetle Damage on the Chugach National Forest, Alaska
This Adaptation in Action profile highlights work of the Chugach National Forest to reduce hazards posed by spruce…
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Vulnerability Assessments of U.S. Agriculture and Forests (2018)
Two special issues in the journal Climatic Change feature vulnerability assessments of agriculture and forestry across…
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Climate Change Impacts in the Northwest
A summary of current and expected impacts due to climate change in the Northwest.
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Managing risk on the farm
Explore USDA programs that help producers manage risk to extreme weather and climate-driven events.
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Insects Change the Story
A progression of non-native insects is steadily making their way into the northeast. The response of trees at the…
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Feral Swine in the Northwest
Feral swine have recently invaded parts of the Northwest by causing harm to plant and animal diversity. They are also…
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UMaine’s Highmoor Farm
Maine is a state known for its long, cold winters and short growing season, but changes in climate are disrupting this…
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Forecasting Short- and Long-Term Southern Pine Beetle Risk in the Southeastern US
The most recent Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak Model (SPBOM1) was released by the USDA Southeast Climate Hub in April…