Understanding forests and climate change

CSIRO’s understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on natural and planted forests is helping forestry and natural resource managers prepare for the future.

• 11 February 2008 | Updated 14 October 2011

• The capability
• How CSIRO uses it
• Collaboration

The capability

Climatic and atmospheric change may have a profound impact on the distribution and vigour of trees and other plants.

This could affect the commercial and environmental value of forests, as well as the important role that forests play in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

CSIRO can assist industry, government and non-government organisations to predict, prepare for and manage the potential impacts of climate change on forests.

We do this by:

• developing predictive models of forest processes and how they may respond under different conditions.
• researching the impacts of climate change on forest growth and other forest values
• providing science support for policy development and implementation.

How CSIRO uses it

We offer specialist scientific and technical services that can be tailored to individual needs.

Based on long-term research and experience we offer advice on:

• site and species selection for plantations
• use of waste water and biosolids in forests
• other environmental benefits of forests
• climate change impacts on a range of forest values.

We also contribute scientific expertise to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on forest greenhouse issues.

Collaboration

CSIRO has strong links with relevant national and international organisations. 

We collaborate with and consult to private industry and governments on a broad range of issues related to forests and climate change.

Find out more about Forestry research.