Plants May Run Out of Time to Grow Under Ongoing Climate Change

Researchers challenge theories that suggest plants in northern latitudes could thrive in a warming climate. “The prevailing assumption ignores the fact that plants in the north will remain limited by solar radiation, curbing positive effects of warming and additional CO2 availability,” notes University of Hawaiʻi News, reporting on research led by Professor Camilo Mora. “In addition, that same warming could surpass plant temperature tolerances in tropical areas around the world, and further be accompanied by drought.” Northern regions will experience warmer temperatures, but available light will limit plant growth. The researchers, using satellite data, identified ranges of temperature, soil moisture and light for most plant growth and found that plants worldwide will have an average 11 percent fewer growing days. The reduced time for plant growth will be most pronounced, up to 30 percent, in the world’s poorest countries, which also rely on agriculture. Climate conditions for plant growth may improve for parts of Russia, China and Canada. – YaleGlobal