Climate change and human footprint increase insect defoliation across central boreal forests of Canada

Anthropogenic climate change is contributing to increased insect infestation globally, leading to pest population growth, expansion of niche and geographic range as well as increased outbreak frequencies, resulting in economic losses and reduction in food security. In recent years, spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus), large aspen tortrix (Choristoneura conflictana) and spruce budworm (Choristoneur…