Poison Ivy will likely thrive as global warming increases

Not every living species is getting harmed by the rise in greenhouse gases.

Poison Ivy grows faster as the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, according to a study conducted by researchers at Duke University. The researchers simulated what the environment of the earth might be like in 2050 if the levels of carbon dioxide continue to grow at the current trajectory. (Increasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere raises the earth's temperature, according to most scientists).

Under the simulated conditions, the poison ivy plants grew 150 percent faster than plants in an ordinary environment. Other expected consequences of global warming include more severe dry spells in the western U.S. and lower temperatures in Northern Europe.

The results were published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.