Climate Change: Joshua Trees Have Had Enough!

Joshua Tree Is First Plant to be Placed on the California Endangered Species Act

Despite prevailing through many cycles of ice ages and warming periods, a study from last year suggests that at the current rate of climate change, only 0.02 percent of Joshua trees' habitat will remain by the end of the century. https://t.co/ih52fmk88x

— Smithsonian Magazine (@SmithsonianMag) October 1, 2020

Health Editor’s Note: Joshua trees have existed in the Mojave Desert for 2.5 million years, through ice ages and periods of warming, but at the current rate of climate change they will not survive until the end of this century.  

This tree has become the first plant to be placed under the protection of the California Endangered Species Act. Studies will determine how to develop a recovery plan and to best protect this plant from climate change as well as industrial development.  

So, for now it is illegal to cut down, damage or remove a Joshua tree without special permits. This is a good thing for the Joshua tree and for humans….Carol 

Carol Duff, MSN, BA, RN

Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.

She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.

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