Climate change induced drought effects on forests (Climforisk)

Changing weather patterns will induce changes in the environment that will affect the growth and vitality of forests.This project is particularly concerned by how changes in the water cycle will affect forests. Much of the effect of climate change on forests will be dependent on how soils are able to provide water to plants as there will likely be changes in precipitation, transpiration and evaporation. However, there is not yet a clear picture of how these changes will impact on Finnish forests. This project aims to improve knowledge of how forest growth could change in future by compiling existing data and models. Information compiled by the project will establish a better basis for regional forest management planning in the context of climate change. The overall objective of the project is to build and demonstrate a system that predicts changes in forest growth and vulnerability in the context of climate change. The system will be used to develop maps and indicators that will support decision-making by public officials and forest managers.