The giant sequoias of California are known for their resilience and large stature. They have a sort of resilience that sets them apart from regular trees in that they can resist the usual forces that kill off other trees when they reach maturity. These sequoias however are found in small quantities scattered across the Sierra Nevada forest. Approximately 70 groves across 55 square miles on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada. Although these sequoias are a marvel to look at, they’re slowly withering due to the severe drought conditions in recent years. California has been in an on-going battle with drought and it is widely affecting these sequoias. It has been observed that a small number of these sequoias were dying because of the drier climate conditions. Normally in shortage of water, these sequoias use water found just below the surface as a reserve. However, because of the droughts, these reserves have not been able to properly replenish. On top of this, the sequoias have been observed to have more greenness which may indicate higher forest biomass. This entails that there is likely to be an increase of water consumption. If drought conditions in California continue at this rate, we can expect to see a higher number of these sequoias slowly meeting their ends.

What can we take away from this natural phenomena? Well this should be a serious warning to us that we’re treading into new territory in terms of climate change. If sequoias are known to be resilient to the typical forces that kill off trees and all of a sudden they’re slowly succumbing to those very sources, it could possibly mean that we are entering extreme climate conditions. Conditions that some species are not adapted for. Although we have little to no control over how droughts can impact these sequoias, we can start looking at how it can affect our population. Especially in California. When these drought patterns became more apparent, the state of California imposed stricter laws on water consumption. They were able to cut back on roughly 20% of their water usage. Although they have lessened the effects of a drought, they are still very vulnerable to going back to where they were. We have to be more cautious about what we do and how it can potentially effect the environment around us because in the end, we’re inhabitants of the same environment that we are causing harm to.

Sources: http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/11848-new-study-finds-climate-change-drought-threaten-giant-sequoias

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/sequoiagroves.htm