.product_section .product_form, .product_gallery { opacity: 1; } .multi_select, form .select { display: block !important; } .image-element__wrap { display: none; }

3 Major Ways Climate Change Impacts Forests

by Gabrielle Clawson ● December 07, 2023 ● 3 min read

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

How Climate Change is Impacting Our World’s Forests

Deforestation is well-known around the world. The effects deforestation has on our world’s forests impact communities and ecosystems globally. That’s why planting trees is so important. Planting trees helps to increase climate change resilience by stabilizing soils, moderating temperatures, increasing stormwater retention in landscapes, protecting vital watersheds, providing shade and shelter, and more.

But while we’re planting trees and making an impact on biodiversity and communities, it’s important to understand exactly how climate change is currently and will continue to impact our forests. Trees and forests help combat and mitigate the effects of climate change, but how does the changing climate impact forests themselves?

It’s important to note that climate change’s impact on forests can vary based on factors such as size, location, land use history, and more. Not all forests experience climate change in the same way, but no forest is entirely immune to its effects.

In the face of an ever changing climate, let’s talk about some ways that our forests are impacted by climate change — and how we can help!

Climate Change Increases Natural Disturbances

Mother Nature exists with or without climate change, that is certainly true. However, it’s no secret that as climate change continues to grow, natural disturbances become more powerful and more frequent.

Forests are often impacted by wildfires. As dry seasons continue to extend past what is typical, forests become ill-equipped to deal with rising temperatures outbreak of fire are more likely to occur. These fires can leave lasting environmental damage and endanger surrounding communities and first responders.

Even smaller phenomena like changes in animal and plant populations can impact a forest’s ecosystem. Ecosystems are woven together in a complex balance. Even minute changes in biodiversity can impact the health of the forest.

Some of the effects of these disturbances are temporary, and forests are able to adapt or recover. Other times, however, these disturbances can have lasting impacts that are more detrimental to the health of the forest.

Climate Change Can Impact Carbon Storage

One of the most talked about ecosystem services forests provide is absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it in roots, soil, and the forest floor. By sequestering carbon, healthy forests and growing trees play a powerful role in the fight against climate change.

As climate change continues, it impacts how trees store carbon in their roots and forest floor. Climate change can change weather patterns, bringing intense and frequent rainfall. Rainfall can erode the forest floor and soil, causing stored carbon to be released back into the atmosphere.

Damage to forests, ranging from insect outbreaks to wildfires, can impact their ability to store carbon by causing the trees to release the carbon back into the atmosphere.

Climate Change Can Impact Water Resources

Forests provide clean water for drinking, irrigation, recreation, and more. Watersheds are among the key players in moderating extreme weather conditions like flooding in communities and ecosystems.

Droughts, forest fires, and increasing temperatures can limit what a watershed is capable of doing. With less rainfall during prolonged droughts, a forest’s streamflow could be reduced, reducing the amount of water that is available for animals and people.

Reduced streamflow can also impact migration patterns, primarily for fish who need to migrate to reproduce, causing population declines.

How Can We Help?

Climate change is a frightening phenomenon, and it’s okay to feel that way. We get it. But there are also ways to help our world’s forests and make a lasting impact that will help to reduce the effects of climate change. You can make a lasting difference simply by utilizing everyday practices to ensure the health of our forests and planet.

Improving the resiliency of forests to changing climatic conditions is crucial for supporting them to do what they do best: provide us with life-sustaining ecosystem services. Boosting the resiliency of forests can be done in a few ways, including reducing the risk of wildfires and implementing climate-safe forestry practices.

Almost 85 percent of wildfires are caused by humans. These fires occur due to different malpractices, ranging from campfire mismanagement to debris burning. By taking the proper steps to ensure we protect our forests from wildfires, we can preserve vital ecosystems and keep stored carbon where it belongs.

Protecting watersheds is also an important way to help protect our forests against climate change. Ensuring a clean supply of water to communities and ecosystems alike can make a lasting impact. You can help protect forest watersheds by planting trees to support global watersheds.

Climate change certainly negatively impacts our world’s forests, but there are many ways we can make a difference and help protect these vital ecosystems. Plant trees today and help protect the forests of tomorrow!

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

7 Earth Day Activities for Students

03/04/2025 by One Tree Planted

9 Spring Activities for Kids

01/04/2025 by Meaghan Weeden

40 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Throughout Earth Month

27/03/2025 by Meaghan Weeden

Popular On One Tree Planted

8 Amazing Bamboo Facts

14/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden

person laying in red hammock nature trees

Inspirational Quotes About Trees

09/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden

How to Reduce Waste: 21 Ideas for Zero Waste Living

07/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden

Fundraising Disclosures

One Tree Planted, Inc.'s mission is to work with our partners to reforest our planet, empowering communities, and fostering a healthier, greener future. Financial and other information about our charity’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting Leila Melody, Chief Financial Officer, 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, 1-800-408-7850. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement.

FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.fdacs.gov/ConsumerServices. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH66616

GEORGIA: The following information is available upon request: a full and fair description of the charitable program for which the solicitation campaign is being carried out and, if different, a full and fair description of the programs and activities of the charitable organization on whose behalf the solicitation is being carried out, and a financial statement or summary consistent with the financial statement required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Code Section 43-17-5.

MARYLAND: A copy of the current financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or by calling +18004087850. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.

MICHIGAN: MICS No. 65659.

MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.

NEVADA: The state of incorporation of One Tree Planted, Inc. is Vermont. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 or 201-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/public-charity-search-results REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.

NEW YORK: A copy of the latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, Department of Law, 120 Broadway – 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10271, (212) 416-8401 or https://ag.ny.gov/resources/organizations/charities-nonprofits-fundraisers

NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.

OREGON: One Tree Planted, Inc. registration in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement, sanction, or approval of a solicitation, its purposes, the manner in which it is conducted, or of One Tree Planted, Inc. by the Attorney General or any other governmental agency or officer.

PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

VIRGINIA: A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218 upon request.

WASHINGTON: The registration required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State. Information relating to the financial affairs of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by calling the Secretary of State at 360-725-0378 (the toll-free number for Washington residents is 800-332-4483).

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

WISCONSIN: A financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year is available upon request.

CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ONE TREE PLANTED, INC. BY THE STATE.

Donate

3 Major Ways Climate Change Impacts Forests

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

How Climate Change is Impacting Our World’s Forests

Climate Change Increases Natural Disturbances

Climate Change Can Impact Carbon Storage

Climate Change Can Impact Water Resources

How Can We Help?

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

Related Posts

7 Earth Day Activities for Students

9 Spring Activities for Kids

40 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Throughout Earth Month

Popular On One Tree Planted

8 Amazing Bamboo Facts

Inspirational Quotes About Trees

How to Reduce Waste: 21 Ideas for Zero Waste Living

Fundraising Disclosures

Be Part of the Restoration Movement

Be Part of the
Restoration Movement