Climate Crisis Is Killing Some of Earth's Oldest Living Things

"California’s redwoods, sequoias and Joshua trees define the American West and nature’s resilience through the ages. Wildfires this year were their deadliest test."

"They are what scientists call charismatic megaflora, and there are few trees anywhere more charismatic than the three most famous species in California. People travel from around the world simply to walk among them in wonderment.

The giant sequoia. The Joshua tree. The coast redwood.

They are the three plant species in California with national parks set aside in their name, for their honor and protection."

John Branch reports for the New York Times December 9, 2020, with photographs by Max Whittaker and graphics by Veronica Penney.

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"California's Ancient Redwoods Face New Challenge From Wildfires And Warming Climate" (NPR)