Trees make wonderful natural witnesses to environmental change for two key reasons: first , they are generally very long-lived (some flowering trees live beyond 1,000) so typically witness change in a way that shorter-lived species do not; and second , they are highly responsive to their environment, moulding the parts they grow every year such as new leaves and twigs – and even their physiological behaviour – to the prevailing conditions of the time. As a result, it is relatively easy for the scientists – who include Midori Yajima, PhD Candidate in Trinity, and Michelle Murray, Outreach Manager at Trinity Botanic Garden – to measure various elements of their response to assess what changes are occurring, and how the trees are responding. According to PI Jennifer McElwain, Professor of Botany in Trinity’s School of Natural Sciences , this can provide crucial information that can help us plan for the future. Witness Trees project researchers, Sate Ahmad, Christos Chondrogiansis, Jennifer McElwain, Tina Monterio and Morgane Weissenburger, in the National Botanic Garden. Prof. McElwain said: “Trees are incredibly reliable witnesses to the effects of climate change. They are, in effect, giant biological sensors with the potential to provide scientists with detailed, highly accurate, long-term datasets on the state on the environment. “In this project we are teaming up with our Witness Trees to study how they respond to atmospheric particulate pollution and to changes in levels of carbon dioxide. By recording data from the Witness Trees every year for the next 30, we will build up a valuable long-term data set and be able to make highly informed decisions as to which species can best clean our air, and which species are most likely to survive and thrive in our changing environment. In this way, we hope to shape ongoing and […]