Weeds found to thrive with global warming

USDA scientist Lewis Ziska, Ph.D., performed a study comparing weed growth in rural, urban and suburban locations. The rural plot represented worldwide conditions for carbon dioxide and temperature today while the urban one simulated predicted future conditions. The study found that weeds grew best and produced the most pollen in the hotter, more carbon-dioxide-rich urban plot. The apparent ability of weeds to adapt to changing conditions on earth could both create further problems for farmers trying to protect their crops and provide scientists with more information to help cope with climate change. Full story: International Herald Tribune

See related Rodale Institute stories:

http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/nf/future_weeds

http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/20080411/gw1