On underestimation of global vulnerability to tree mortality and forest die‐off from hotter drought in the Anthropocene

Patterns, mechanisms, projections, and consequences of tree mortality and associated broad‐scale forest die‐off due to drought accompanied by warmer temperatures—“hotter drought”, an emerging characteristic of the Anthropocene—are the focus of rapidly expanding literature. Despite recent observational, experimental, and modeling studies suggesting increased vulnerability of trees to hotter drought and associated pests and pathogens, substantial debate remains among research, management and policy‐making communities regarding future tree mortality risks. We summarize key mortality‐relevant findings, differentiating between those implying lesser versus greater levels of vulnerability. Evidence suggesting lesser…