Joshua Trees in California Face Threats from Climate Change and Wildfires
Joshua trees, iconic to California's Mojave Desert, are under severe threat due to climate change, wildfires, and human activities. According to the Los Angeles Times, two wildfires in the last six years have destroyed up to 2.3 million Joshua trees, with the 2020 Dome Fire and the 2023 York Fire causing significant damage. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are making much of the desert inhospitable for these slow-growing plants. Researchers are investigating the role of mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, in helping Joshua trees survive in harsh conditions. A recent study found that only 14% of Joshua tree seedlings planted in a restoration effort survived, highlighting the challenges of reestablishing these trees. Scientists are now exploring whether introducing native fungi to the soil could improve survival rates. 
