A monumental study conducted by Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Kahle and Prof. Dr. Heinrich Spiecker from the University of Freiburg has cast a piercing light on the toll of climate impacts on the majestic Black Forest. The heart of this ancient woodland, known for its breathtaking beauty, is experiencing a dire struggle against the relentless forces of climate change.
With a consistent dataset spanning an impressive 68 years (1953 to 2020), the researchers laid bare a harsh truth – dry, scorching summers are wreaking havoc on the forest’s growth and survival. Their pioneering research, published in the esteemed journal Global Change Biology, meticulously juxtaposes the annual mortality of the forest’s trees with the climatic water balance during May to September.
As climatic water balance trends downward over 140 years (1881-2020), the stark reality of “Forest Dieback I” emerges, attributed solely to weather conditions and the ensuing infestation of bark beetles. However, a new menace has arisen in recent years. The mortality rate has surged to a staggering 40 percent of sustainable annual growth after the onslaught of exceedingly dry summers. The year 2019 marked a chilling crescendo, with mortality rates surpassing seven times the average from 1953 to 2017.
The rhythm of nature’s dance is also changing, with a once-predictable pattern of cool-humid and warm-dry periods showing signs of upheaval. The researchers observe a harrowing trend: the cool-humid phases are waning while the warm-dry spells intensify, amplifying the hardships faced by the resilient trees.
Prof. Kahle aptly highlights the uniqueness of their time series, unraveling the quantitative impacts of heat and drought. In the delicate balance between climate and flora, this study stands as a clarion call to safeguard the ecological treasures of the Black Forest. As climate change marches on, the Black Forest’s struggle becomes emblematic of the global challenges posed by a shifting climate landscape.
