By Jeff McMahon, Opinion, Forbes

Originally published at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/04/15/hug-your-native-trees-goodbye-thanks-to-climate-change/#40c0eef36abd

Invasive trees have demonstrated their adaptive mettle, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that they are likely to outperform natives as climate change alters growing conditions. But a U.S. Forest Service analysis shows the invaders hold a dramatic advantage.

“A lot of our least vulnerable species are invasive species,” said Leslie Brandt, a climate change specialist for the United States Forest Service.

Continue reading “Climate Change Gives Invasive Trees An Even Greater Advantage”

By Jeff McMahon, Opinion, Forbes

Originally published at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/04/16/what-trees-to-plant-for-a-changing-climate/#37f4f63a3d74

People who want to know what trees to plant for a changing climate sometimes have trouble getting a clear answer, in part because the answer varies by region, in part because the effects of climate change are uncertain, and in part because the best answer scientists can offer is: lots.

Plant lots of trees. Plant lots of kinds of trees.

Continue reading “How To Plant Trees In A Changing Climate”

By Jeff McMahon, Opinion, Forbes

Originally published at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/04/08/your-local-farmer-will-replace-the-oil-and-electric-companies-if-a-purdue-prof-gets-his-way/#5b877e0667bd

Purdue researcher Rakesh Agrawal is leading work to develop solar cells that do not obstruct the light needed for crops to grow.

A Purdue University professor is developing a way for farmers to capture solar energy without blocking the sunlight their crops need.

The solar collectors being developed by Chemical Engineering Professor Rakesh Agrawal and his colleagues would capture infrared radiation for energy production while letting visible light pass through to crops.

Continue reading “Local Farmers Will Replace Oil And Electric Companies, If A Purdue Prof Gets His Way”