Surprising new research reveals why some mountain trees are shifting downslope as climate change drives other tree species to higher, cooler elevationsVermont Business Magazine As global temperatures rise, scientists have largely assumed that mountain tree species will move uphill in search of cooler conditions. Their findings show that a tree species' hydraulic traits, physiological characteristics that regulate water transport, drought tolerance, and growth, are powerful predictors of how forests reorganize under climate change. Understanding how trees balance growth and drought resistance helps explain their responses to climate change and offers a roadmap for predicting tomorrow's forests.” The researchers discovered that species with highly efficient water transport systems tend to be more sensitive to climate warming and shift upslope more rapidly. Read the Nature Climate Change study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-026-02726-6To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!