Insect pests and diseases may become more active and damaging in red pine forests in northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan under a warmer climate.

Under a high emissions scenario, researchers forecast more insect pest damage in northern forests due to increased metabolic activity in active periods and increased winter survival. Drought-stressed or overstocked stands are also typically more vulnerable to insect pests and diseases. The possibility exists for new pests such as western bark beetles to arrive in northern Wisconsin or western Upper Michigan.