University of New Brunswick Forestry Professor Charles Bourque was quoted in an article published by CBC on Sept 19., saying that if emissions remain at their current level then softwood species like the balsam fir may be gradually ‘eradicated’ due to climate change.
“The tree species that require lower temperatures will tend to be eradicated from the province, while the warmer-loving species, especially from the south, could potentially replace those species that leave the New Brunswick landscape.”
The New Brunswick Climate Change Secretariat (NBCCS) commissioned Bourque through an Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) grant to create scenarios using provincial data.
The balsam fir is an important resource in the province’s lumber, and pulp and paper industries. The balsam fir has also been the provincial symbol since May 1987.
“I just produce the facts, according to what the model provides, and it’s up to the [Department of Energy and Resources Development] to respond to those, and try to implement some scheme that allows for climate change in the model.”
Read the full article here.