Riginos et al. find that in their research exclosures in Kenya, there is correlation between heavy grazing by cattle and increase in woody species but caution that this could also be a result of other factors such as fire suppression or climate change (increase in CO2 in the atmosphere can stimulate woody species more).
In addition to harassing federal climate scientists and issuing subpoenas to seemingly everyone looking into oil giant Exxon Mobil's suppression of climate change research, the committee chairman is loading hearings with witnesses who largely agree with his personal views. .
Each time a new probe is launched into Exxon's suppression of climate change research ― and there have been several ― Smith comes running, demanding documents related to those investigations and parroting the oil and gas giant's go-to First Amendment defense.
Past forest management practices, fire suppression, and climate change are increasing the need to actively manage California Sierra Nevada forests for multiple environmental amenities.
The recent increase in frequency of large and severe fires due to past fire suppression and ongoing climate change [5, 6] illustrates one such risk [7].
The recent increase in frequency of large and severe fires due to past fire suppression and ongoing climate change [ 5, 6] illustrates one such risk [ 7].
Ironically, the Sugar Papers were made public the same week that Lamar Smith, the chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, has been holding hearings on Exxon's suppression of its own research into climate change.
But experts say the wildfires are getting bigger and more destructive, made worse by years of drought and fire suppression, a rise in temperatures from climate change and denser development into the wild.
The policy of suppression beginning in the early 20th century and climate change are contributing to increased megafires.
While multiple factors such as climate change and fire suppression are thought to contribute to aspen's decline, increased browsing by elk (Cervus elaphus), which have experienced dramatic population increases in the last ∼80 years, may severely inhibit aspen growth and regeneration.
