A new study warns that two-thirds of tree species in cities suffer from climatic conditions that exceed their safety margins, or their natural tolerance.

 

According to the study conducted by scientists from around the world under the umbrella of the University of Western Sydney and published in the journal Nature Climate Change, climate change is putting many of the world's urban trees at risk.

 

The researchers studied the risks of climate change on more than 3,000 tree species in 164 cities around the world, with the aim of prioritizing efforts to protect plants in the future, and the continuity of associated ecosystem services.

 

The study found that 1000 species of trees are threatened, most notably: pine, linden, chestnut, eucalyptus and poplar.

 

The study also indicated that these trees positively affect the health of more than four billion people in the world, by purifying the air, and improving mental health and well-being through contact with nature, as well as providing an essential home for animals.

 

The researchers added that climate change may expose trees to more pests and diseases, in addition to increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as storms, fires, floods and hurricanes, not to mention negative human interventions.

 

Scientists predict that by 2050, 65 percent of the trees in all the cities surveyed will be at risk.

 

These risks are expected to increase in countries where there are limited economic resources to mitigate the consequences of climate change.

 

Recommendations to avoid disaster

The researchers recommended choosing tree species capable of dealing with the expected climatic conditions in the future, in order to ensure the continuity of benefiting from their functions, especially during heat waves and droughts.