Climate change and the forestry sector

Introduction and background

Adaptation is a dynamic process and requires multiple iterations, either in response to new or improved information (e.g. better climate modelling, improved decision-making frameworks) or as the result of learning from other regions or partners elsewhere in Europe and beyond. The European Commission is currently in the process of developing an EU Adaptation Strategy with the general aim to enhance the preparedness and capacity to respond to the impacts of climatic change of the EU, its Member States and regions, down to the local level. Stakeholder consultation will be a key element in order to support a strategic approach to the national implementation of climate change adaptation actions and to facilitate the exchange between Member States.

The development of the EU Adaptation Strategy and the accompanying IA were supported by the DG CLIMA project “Support to the development of the EU-Strategy for adaptation to climate change (CLlMA.C.3/SER/2011/0026)”. This project is carried out by the Environment Agency Austria (EAA) together with Fresh Thoughts Consulting (FT), AEA Technology plc (AEA), Alterra, and FEEM Servizi Srl (FEEM).

EUSTAFOR and its members were approached by the team to support their work by providing knowledge and examples in relation to climate change adaptation and forestry. The specific aspects of interest were: impact to Europe´s forest, damage costs, potential adaptation measures and related costs. Further, any suggestions for policy interventions at EU or Member State level to support adaptation activities in the forestry sector are welcome.

Aim of the workshop

The overall objective of this one day workshop was to mobilise the knowledge and experience of public and private forest owners about adaptation to climate change in the forestry sector.

The particular focus was to:

• Identify the main knowledge gaps in relation to climate change impacts and adaptation measures
• Identify trade-offs and synergies between better resilience and other objectives for the forestry sector
• How to mainstream climate change adaptation into EU and national forest policies