Wrong, Augusta Chronicle, Spread of Invasive Species in Georgia Isn’t Due to Climate Change
By
H. Sterling Burnett
June 2, 2025
The August Chronicle published an article claiming climate change was causing the spread of invasive plant species. This is false. Data from Georgia does not show climactic changes, whether in temperatures or extreme weather, that would make the state more suitable than it already is for invasive plant species, which have, in fact, long been established there.
The author of the August Chronicle story, “Symptoms of climate change in Southeast fuel increase in invasive plant species,” Erica Van Buren writes:
Symptoms of climate change include extreme heat, drought, and extreme weather, all of which can significantly impact plant species.
“It’s kind of hard to pin it down, because climate change is so complicated,” said Eamonn Leonard, senior wildlife biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. “It changes so many different things. From storm frequency to moisture to drought in general. I think invasives are able to sort of capitalize on changes that our native plant species aren’t able to.”
There are multiple problems with this claim. First, contra Leonard, the “expert,” Van Buren quotes in her story there is no reason whatsoever to believe that invasive species which thrive in present conditions in Georgia will be any more adaptable or able to thrive there if those conditions change than native species will be. Invasive species, that is species from other regions or foreign countries that are introduced either intentionally or accidentally and cause unintended harms, thrive because the climate conditions where they are introduced are suitable for their flourishing. When they outcompete native species, it is not due to climate conditions but rather because the insects, plants, species, management practices, and conditions that keep them in check in their native lands don’t exist here. More or less rainfall, fewer or increased storms, won’t disadvantage native species in competition with invasive species.
https://climaterealism.com/2025/06/wrong-augusta-chronicle-spread-of-invasive-species-in-georgia-isnt-due-to-climate-change/
