Droughts double dying trees in 10 years

Tree experts are sounding the alarm: Because of severe drought across the west, the number of trees dying in forests has doubled over the last ten years, creating dangerous fire conditions. Experts say the drought conditions weaken trees, making them susceptible to bark beetles, which destroy the trees. The low rainfall over the last few years has left trees vulnerable to a surge in bark beetles. Experts say when there's sufficient moisture, trees are healthy and they're able to fight off beetles. But when they're stressed by drought, they're less able to defend themselves so beetles thrive...ABC