Comments on: A Year for Forests

By: Dave Bonta

Dave Bonta — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:54:20 +0000

In reply to James. I guess that's the mix of emotions I was hoping to communicate.

By: James

James — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:18:46 +0000

“It’s easy to get depressed and forget that whatever happens, however stark a desert we make, it will still be beautiful.” That’s both an encouraging thought and quite depressing too.

By: Dave Bonta

Dave Bonta — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:49:12 +0000

In reply to Robb.

Hi Robb – Yes, I almost envy the people who don’t really know much about ecology or their neck of the woods — there will always be pretty scenery for them to stop and admire or frame in the picture windows of new McMansions. Ignorance is, if not bliss, at least a cushion against despair.

Happy Yule to you as well.

By: Robb

Robb — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:15:12 +0000

Kia ora Dave,
The prediction here in the Ruahine is that eventually global warming will allow the forest to encompass the now open tussock tops as the warmth will allow the bushline to rise. Though I will never see this still a sad thought for me personally, but there will, as you point out, be beauty within that as well. And more reason for me to appreciate being amongst them as they are now. And also to realize they may look the same, but are constantly changing. A peaceful Yuletide wish to you and yours Dave.
Cheers,
Robb

By: Dave Bonta

Dave Bonta — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:47:54 +0000

In reply to David Harmon.

No doubt. And dead trees are of course a vital part of a healthy forest, too (as are blowdowns and other periodic disturbances).

The reshuffling will probably entail a great deal of extinctions — that’s the real issue. Especially since we have already reduced wild habitats to such a bare minimum in most inhabited parts of the globe. There’s no wiggle room. So I anticipate not just a reshuffling but a simplification of ecosystems, leading to less flexibility and more extreme conditions — a positive feedback loop of planetary bio-physical mayhem.

By: David Harmon

David Harmon — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:26:17 +0000

I can only hope that reshuffling the ecosystems will be the worst we face from global climate change.

Dead trees are pretty cool though — besides the whole “decomposition in action” thing, they get turned into all sorts of natural sculptures and canvases.