05/31/2026
We don't always see climate change and human impact in sinking cities and rising oceans.
Mother Nature gives us clues about her health. Poison ivy has become ubiquitous along the trails over the past decade. Many scientists have linked this directly to three human-driven factors:
1 - disturbed habitat. Poison ivy thrives along the edges of disturbed woods. That means trails, fields, building lots, etc.
2 - Increased climate temps. Even a degree or two of change provides longer growing seasons and expanded geographical range.
3 - Increases in CO2. Poison ivy grows best when the atmosphere contains higher levels of carbon dioxide.
Sure, there are chemicals we can use to reduce poison ivy, but that is action based on lag factors. A better course of action is to remember that we are a part of the environment, and to love our planet in a way that keeps it loving us.
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