Climate change is threatening Joshua trees — California will decide whether to protect them

Joshua trees have thrived in the Mojave desert for 2.5 million years, but scientists are worried about their future, and whether they'll survive the hotter temperatures and drier conditions climate change is bringing.

The California Fish and Game Commission will decide whether to protect Joshua trees under the Endangered Species Act. It would be the first time a plant species is listed primarily due to the threat of climate change. The commission deferred the decision until October after being deadlocked on a vote last month.

Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd speaks with Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity.