This year, the fall may seem less colorful, as fall foliage is affected by climate change. Due to the extreme climate of the past two years, trees are now facing physiological challenges. One of the most recent events that contribute to the issue involves Canada’s wildfire smoke; however, the rainstorms and sudden temperature changes have already been affecting the trees.
During the summer, chlorophyll is produced by trees using sunlight and higher temperatures. Therefore, when the sun begins to set earlier and the weather becomes cooler during the late months of the year, chlorophyll begins to be replaced by carotenoids and anthocyanins, the compounds that give leaves yellow, orange, and purple colors, along with the green foliage that turns to red and yellow hues. Now, trees are struggling to keep their carotenoid and anthocyanin levels with inconsistent temperatures. The chlorophyll that the trees produce during the spring and summer does not match the amount of sugar and carbohydrates the tree needs to grow and survive during the winter. Even if the trees are learning to adapt to the changes, they do this by reducing fall foliage time to grow for longer periods and shorter transitions.
Since September 29, rain has come every weekend in the Northeast. In the meantime, people have experienced warm and sunny days in the middle of the week. Just as humans feel these changes, the trees are stressing over what season it currently is. The heavy rain has strained trees to absorb too much water. The excess water prevents the trees from properly obtaining their nutrients. The lack of nutrients lead the trees’ leaves to produce a yellow color from weak health. Eventually, the branches and leaves may die. Also, the trees become prone to the growth of fungal diseases and deterioration of the tree. The effects of constant rainfall at this time of the year put trees at risk of being healthy for the next seasons.
Trees in Canada’s wildfire smoke, along with other wildfire cases, were unable to absorb sunlight efficiently due to the ash particles. Because of the particles scattering the light, the sun looked as if it were a bright orange or red color. Similarly, the particles disturbed the trees’ process of photosynthesis because the smoke blocked the leaves from receiving sunlight appropriately. The slowed photosynthesis process is causing a shorter fall foliage season and more muted leaf colors. The last ten years have demonstrated less colorful leaves in many states, except for some that are gaining back their bright colors, such as New Hampshire and Maryland.
The fall season happens to bring large numbers of tourist revenue, about $1 billion total. Many expect to see the trees changing color in the United States and grab a vacation to feel the coziness of fall, whether this is done by taking a trip to a national park or staying at an inn with a beautiful mountain view full of many tree colors. There are hopes for long fall foliage during this harvest season so that consumers can enjoy the many fall-themed events that are brought by businesses. And so, the early falling leaves might be cutting short tourist revenue this year. The fall foliage must be appreciated more to ensure its protection against climate change.
Consequently, the changes in fall foliage do not only impact the environment but also our economy and living activities. Actions that can help fight climate change involve providing free transportation, creating recreational spaces, and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Practicing these actions is necessary to help reduce the effects of natural disasters caused by the lack of environmental maintenance. As communities make conscious choices to better the climate, people will be able to bring better health to the plants and spaces around them.
