Climate-induced warming is fueling the proliferation of insects keen on invading Colorado’s forests and leaving the trees they devour for dead, a new report has found.

After a wet and cool 2023, weather in the Centennial State shifted back to near-record heat and minimal precipitation last year — driving the spread of forest pests and weakening the defenses of trees, according to the report, released by the Colorado State Forest Service.

“Trees in Colorado can’t catch a break as our climate becomes warmer and dryer,” Matt McCombs, state forester, said in a statement.

“This ongoing trend toward persistent drought and higher temperatures not only makes trees easier........

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