Research Branch Staff Publications

Climate change impacts and adaptation in forestry.

Citation:

Spittlehouse, D.L. 2005. Climate change impacts and adaptation in forestry. In: Climate Change and Forest Genetics, Proc. 29th Meeting, Canadian Tree Improvement Assoc., part 2, Symposium, G.A. O’Neill and J.D. Simpson (eds.) pp. 43-48.

Abstract:

Current changes in climate are already affecting forest species. Future climate change will bring greater changes in range of occurrence, forest disturbance and growth rates. These changes in turn will affect society’s ability to use forest resources. We already take account of climate in forest management; in the future we will have to apply these techniques with a greater intensity and in different areas. Climate change adaptation strategies for the forest management sector should be based on the application of vulnerability assessment or risk management concepts. An adaptation plan must address biophysical and socio-economic impacts and include policy and institutional considerations. We will need to evaluate current vulnerability, speed recovery after disturbance, and reduce vulnerability to further climate change. The adaptation plan should include monitoring the state of the forest to detect change to aid determining when to intervene. An example of using this framework to adapt to changing forest productivity is presented. Many forest ecosystems and species will have to adapt autonomously because management can only influence the timing and direction of forest adaptation at selected locations. In general, society will have to adjust to however forests adapt. Sustainable forest management already embodies many of the activities that will be required to respond to the effects of climate change on forests. Including adaptation to climate change as part of forest planning does not necessarily require a large financial investment now with an unknown future payback time.

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