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“important today”
Heat, fire, climate crisis: How’s the German forest doing?
Dead trees are in the Harz National Park below the Brocken. National Park Director Roland Pietsch explains how the forest in Germany is doing in the 323rd episode of “Today Important”.
© Matthias Bein / DPA
The climate crisis does not stop at German forests. This is particularly noticeable in the Harz National Park, because there all visitors are confronted with dead spruce trees. dr Roland Pietsch is head of the national park and reassures: There is a reason for everything.
The world is in the midst of a climate crisis, becoming hotter and drier. In Italy, Spain and other southern countries you can clearly see at the moment what dangers the heat poses: the forest is on fire. This is not only a big problem for people and animals, but also for the trees. After all, they are responsible for cleaning the air and thus fighting the climate crisis. The state of the forest in Germany is explained by Dr. Roland Pietsch in the 323rd episode of “Today Important”. He is head of the Harz National Park and an expert in the field of forestry.
Spruce dieback in the Harz Mountains: a clear indication of the climate crisis
Due to the many dry phases in recent years, the forest is doing badly. It does rain from time to time, but never long enough or hard enough to provide the trees with a sustainable supply of water. The roots are too deep for that, explains Dr. Roland Pietsch. The water doesn’t reach the roots at all and when it rains, the soil is too dry to absorb it. Spruces in particular have shaped the forest landscape in Germany, but now they are dying and leaving a sad picture in the Harz National Park. Pietsch makes it clear that the rising temperatures are to blame: “The climate crisis is the cause of these problems.”
© TVNOW / Andreas Friese
Podcast “important today”
Sure, opinionated, on the 12: “today important” is not just a news podcast. We set topics and initiate debates – with attitude and sometimes uncomfortable. Host Michel Abdollahi and his team speak out for this star– and RTL reporters with the most exciting people from politics, society and entertainment. They let all voices have their say, both the quiet and the loud. Anyone who hears “important today” starts the day well informed and can have a well-founded say.
Reconstruction of the forest: “We must let nature be nature”
In order to fight against the climate crisis and the dying of spruce trees, the Harz National Park leaves the dead spruce trees standing. New trees will grow underneath. The forests are renaturing themselves – at least as long as there is no steppe or desert climate. That too cannot be ruled out in the distant future, but Dr. Pietsch is certain: “The forest will grow again here.” He’ll just look different than before.
Because new tree species that can endure more drought will prevail and form a new forest. Instead of spruce, for example, beech will occupy a large space. However, that will take a few hundred years, because the climate crisis means: “Of course, the trees will no longer grow as quickly and will not be as vital either.”
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