Wildfires Are Erasing Western Forests. Climate Change Is Making It Permanent.

• This article describes ecological shifts that are occurring in the Western United States, where pine forests are being replaced by shrubs and grasses, particularly after forest fires.
• Specific examples of this shift in vegetation are identified in many states, citing scientific studies from a number of universities.
  

Positives

• The images in the article are striking and help students see exactly what the author is talking about.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• It might be helpful to introduce a map of the United States to show students where the article is referencing.
• Discussing normal conditions (where fires help forests regenerate) might help students see the impacts of climate change on these ecosystems.
  

Differentiation

• Science classes could use this article to help illustrate the negative changes happening to forest ecosystems due to global warming and climate change. 
• Social studies classes could discuss the ramifications on human communities if wildfires burn hotter and forests are replaced by grasslands.
• Other resources related to this topic include this lesson plan, this article, this video.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.