All we are saying is, Give evolution a hand

“(E)volution … needs some help.”

Wait, wait, wait. Just. A. Minute.

I thought Evolution was sacrosanct, immutable, unarguable. Sacred, holy, untouchable as fact and all that.

So … How can Evolution need “some help?”

Context. “If global temperatures rise, can forests still flourish in their current ranges?” (“Future Forests,” National Geographic, July 2012, p.31.)

If you consider climate change an ongoing part of Earth’s Evolution, why does it matter what forests can or cannot do? If Earth and everything on it is ruled by Evolution, people should not interfere.

The focus of the article is “Some scientists think not,” on present-range forest continuation and, as good modern scientists, not only do they think they can do something to help forests, they also intend to.

The mentioned scientists are participating in “assisted migration.” That’s right. “Assisted migration.” Of trees.

The magazine notes that “the controversial approach presumes ‘evolution can’t keep up with the rate of climate change, so it needs some help,’ says project head Greg O’Neill.”

What they’re doing is, planting certain kinds of trees in places the trees do not grow. At least not yet grow. But if “global temperatures rise,” maybe those certain kinds of trees will grow, replacing present native trees.

What kinds of trees are some scientists assisting maybe to grow somewhere else?

“British Columbia has already extended the legal range in which timber companies can plant western larch seedlings. Other seedlings, including Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, are being tested at sites spanning 1,700 miles, from Canada’s Yukon to California.”

Oh. Timber companies are involved. Environmental scientists (one assumes) and timber companies.

Back when I was a newspaper reporter, we worked on the theory “follow the money and find the answer.” And don’t be surprised when studies match what check signers wanted.