Mojave Desert’s Joshua Trees at Risk from Development and Climate Shifts ● UPDATING

The iconic Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert, which have survived for millennia in harsh conditions, are now facing an existential crisis from both human development and climate change, according to a recent analysis by Jacob Mull, a conservation leadership master's student at Colorado State University.

Mull, who became fascinated with the trees during a field botany course at Cal Poly, warns that while these rugged symbols of tenacity have weathered blistering heat and drought for thousands of years, even they have a breaking point. The Mojave Desert, home to the vast majority of Joshua tree range, is under increasing pressure from expanding human activity.

Communities surrounding Joshua Tree National Park rely heavily on tourism. In 2024 alone, 3 million park visitors spent $179 million, generating $214 million in economic benefits for local communities.

However, Mull cautions that this economic engine could be jeopardized if the trees continue to disappear.

Several large-scale solar farms and rare earth element mining projects are proposed in the region, which could wipe out thousands of Joshua trees. For example, a solar project approved near Boron in Kern County will result in the removal of 4,200 Joshua trees.

Another rare earth element mining project being considered just outside Joshua Tree National Park would desecrate 32 square miles of Joshua tree habitat if implemented.

While these projects would increase renewable energy and bring green benefits, Mull argues they should not come with such a heavy environmental toll. Beyond these threats, Joshua trees are also battling deteriorating environmental conditions.

Record-breaking droughts in recent years have pushed them past their limits, even though they are well adapted to the Mojave's scorching sands. Climate change predictions hint at even more catastrophic droughts and heat waves for years to come.

Joshua trees typically take at least 30 years to mature, so their environment will likely become inhospitable before many of them can adapt. If trends continue, Joshua trees could reach the brink of extinction by 2100.

The damage would not stop there; 25 types of birds rely on Joshua trees, along with such rare species as the pallid blue dotted butterfly and the desert tortoise. Without Joshua trees, most of these species could not survive.

Mull calls for businesses and localities to remain cautious in future development while considering Joshua trees a top priority. On an individual level, he encourages support for nonprofits like the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which is seeking innovative solutions.

"Many people never get the opportunity to see Joshua trees in their lifetime," Mull writes. "If current trends continue, eventually no one will."