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Experts: How will this year’s fall colours be affected by climate change?  

Published: 11 October 2024

As autumn brings a burst of colour to Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States, two experts from 鶹 are available to shed light on the science behind the vibrant hues and how they might be affected by climate change.  

David Wees, Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Associate Director, Farm Management and Technology Program, has expertise in the biochemical processes that cause leaves to change colour in response to changes in light, temperature and moisture. He notes that this year’s heavy summer rainfall and ensuing water-logged soils may “stress out” some trees.  

david.wees [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)  

Benoît Côté, Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Science and Director, Morgan Arboretum and Molson Nature Reserve, studies forest nutrition and the relationships between soil fertility, tree nutrition and plant biodiversity.  

benoit.cote [at] mcgill.ca (English, French) 

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