"Many invasive species that currently threaten forests in the Central Appalachians region may benefit directly from projected climate change or benefit from the slow response of native species. Increases in carbon dioxide have been shown to have positive effects on growth for many plant species, including some of the most invasive weeds in the U.S. Experiments with CO2 fertilization on kudzu seedlings have indicated increased growth, increased competition with native species, and range expansion. Increased carbon dioxide emissions and warmer winter temperatures will expand the northern ranges of invasive plants such as bush honeysuckle, privet, kudzu, and cogongrass. Warmer temperatures, moisture deficit, and compounding stressors will also increase the susceptibility of trees to insect pests and pathogens, in addition to increasing the abundance of pests and pathogens that are currently present in the Central Appalachians. For example, hemlock woolly adelgid populations are currently limited by low winter temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles, and populations of hemlock woolly adelgid have increased or expanded northward during mild winters. The emerald ash borer, currently devastating populations of ash species, has been observed to produce more generations under warmer conditions. Other pest outbreaks, including those of native species (e.g., forest tent caterpillar and spruce budworm), are more common when trees are stressed by factors such as drought."