Impacts of climate change on forests and forestry in Scotland

There is now a very high level of certainty that global climate change is occurring as a result of human activity, particularly from the burning of fossil fuels. Although Scotland’s climate may not change as much as in other parts of the world, there are likely to be impacts on Scotland’s economy, environment, and society. The forest industry must now adapt to the challenge of a changing climate. The relatively long period between establishing young trees and utilising harvested wood means that forest practitioners must be aware of the likely changes in climate, its impact on site conditions, and the consequent changes in growth, forest ecology, and the ecology of pests and diseases. This report provides a preliminary discussion of the likely impacts of climate change for Scotland’s forest industry. Although the process of adaptation must begin now, the recommendations will be refined as more research and new information becomes available.