Climate Change Exacerbates Bark Beetle Infestation in Germany's Harz Forest

Bark beetles, known as "book printers," are causing significant damage to Germany's Harz forest, with two-thirds of the spruce trees already destroyed. Climate change, with its drier conditions and hotter temperatures, has made the trees more vulnerable to the beetles' larvae. The beetles burrow into the trees' cambium, hindering their ability to receive nutrients. Forest conservationists are struggling to control the pests, as longer droughts and weakened trees provide favorable conditions for beetle reproduction. Forest managers are working to remove susceptible trees and use pesticides, but conservation efforts are limited by external factors like the changing climate. Planting other tree species that can better withstand these conditions may be a long-term solution.