Plants Run For Their Lives Toward Higher Ground

A new study shows that plants, like animals and people, are climbing to higher elevations to escape the heat of global warming. Each year, this “escalator effect (National Geographic News) is pushing plants upward by about ten feet.” It appears as though the ground is simply running out of room for plant life.

The study involved nearly 8,000 historical surveys dating back to 1905. Certain mountainous areas tested included the Western Alps, Pyrenees and Massif-Central. The test included 171 species in forests on lower slopes, from sea level up to 8,500 feet. According to the historical data, the last major shift in climate change was 1985 until now, but previous years showed no sign of drastic changes.

While earlier studies concentrated on more unique folliage, the current test focuses on common plants. Trees and shrubs did not show a significant shift, but more short-lived species such as herbs showed a “strong upward shift in elevation,” said ecologist and team leader John Lenoir.

In the mountains climate conditions differ dramatically with altitude, making it easier for the scientists to detect when certain plants or animals shift to higher elevations. Lenoir believes this is why mountains are an ideal geographical location to observe changes in vegetation as it responds to climate change.

If global warming continues at its current rate in the coming decades plants will continue their climb. But, as National Geographic’s Mason Inman writes, “Since some species move faster than others, this shift could tear established ecosystems apart.” This could affect agricultural demands in rural areas where farmers or workers will find it harder to reach certain plant-based resources needed for their economy. Also, the higher the plants climb, the dryer the ground below will become due to lack of oxygen, causing possible infectious drought.

Scientist’s main concern is a disruption in future growth of certain ecological units. NASA specialist Cynthia Rosenzweig admits the short-lived plants are adapting quickly to changes, but will have to keep climbing higher and higher, eventually running out of room. The longer-lived such as trees and shrubs, however, are not adapting as well.