Embedded Files
Using Ecological Knowledge to Characterize Tree Sensitivity to Climate Change
Using Ecological Knowledge to Characterize Tree Sensitivity to Climate Change
Tree species employ a variety of strategies in response to climate change. When faced with a stressor (drought, fire or changes in growing conditions), species can either tolerate its effects, avoid stressor-induced damage, or re-establish after impacts. Such strategies consist of a set of mechanisms and interacting processes that operate at different biological, spatial and temporal scales. Mechanisms are characterized by traits, which are morphological, physiological, and phenological attributes that determine an organism's response to a stressor. The ability to utilize these strategies influences whether species’ exhibit tolerance or sensitivity when faced with a climate change stressor.
Sensitivity Indices – How to Use
Sensitivity Indices – How to Use
Indices of tree species sensitivity were created for three key climate change stressors:
Indices of tree species sensitivity were created for three key climate change stressors:
• Increased frequency of drought events
• Shifts in climatically suitable habitat
• Increased fire intensity and frequency
These sensitivity indices were developed based on the various strategies a species can employ, such as the ability to tolerate stress, avoid damage or re-establish after stressor-related impacts.
For each strategy, we developed a sensitivity index that ranks the relative ability of the most common tree species in Eastern Canada to cope with these climate stressors. Data were documented and synthesized from the scientific literature.
Five classes of sensitivity-tolerance were defined: highly sensitive, medium sensitive, intermediate, medium tolerant, highly tolerant.
For more information on the methods used to create these indices, see the associated publication:
Boisvert-Marsh, L., Royer-Tardif, S., Nolet, P., Doyon, F. and Aubin, I.: “Using a Trait-Based Approach to Compare Tree Species Sensitivity to Climate Change Stressors in Eastern Canada and Inform Adaptation Practices”. Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/11/9/989/htm.
Species can also adapt in response to a climate stressor, allow them to persist in situ. Another set of indices on species’ Adaptive capacity to climate change are available on: [Adaptation page]
Page updated
Report abuse