"For centuries, forests have been an intrinsic feature of Canada's society, culture and economy, and they will continue to be an immensely important part of our lives." ⁽¹⁾

Canada contains more than 400 million hectares of forested land, which accounts for almost half of our total landmass and approximately one-tenth of the world's total forest cover.⁽¹⁾ As such, forests are a vital component of our country's economy and culture. Boreal forests are the dominant forest type, spanning the complete width of the country (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Distribution of forest types in Canada larger image [JPEG, 109.2 kb, 800 X 586, notice]

Many communities across Canada are highly reliant on the forestry sector, which provided direct employment for over 370 000 Canadians in 2000.⁽¹⁾ Approximately 51% of Canada's 234.5 million hectares of commercial forest (land capable of producing commercial tree species that can be sustainably harvested) are currently managed for timber production.⁽¹⁾ Each year about one million hectares of this commercial forestland are harvested, primarily to manufacture lumber, plywood, veneer, wood pulp and newsprint.⁽¹⁾ Non-wood forest products also contribute to the Canadian economy.

Forests also impart numerous non-market benefits. They provide aesthetic value, and are important for many recreational activities, such as camping, hiking and snowmobiling. Forests also reduce soil erosion, improve air and water quality, and provide habitat for over 90 000 different species of plants, animals and micro-organisms.⁽¹⁾ Furthermore, forests are a vital component of aboriginal culture and heritage, providing food, medicinal plants and resources for many First Nations and Métis communities.

Climate is one of many variables that affect forest distribution, health and productivity, and has a strong influence on disturbance regimes. According to the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), globally averaged surface air temperatures are projected to increase by 1.4-5.8°C by the year 2100,⁽²⁾ with significant consequences for most elements of the global climate system. The net impact of such climate changes on forestry and forest-dependent communities in Canada would be a function of a wide range of biophysical and socio-economic impacts that would be both positive and negative. To date, research in Canada and internationally has tended to focus primarily on the response of individual species and ecosystems to changing climate. In contrast, the potential social and economic implications of climate change for the Canadian forest sector have received far less attention. Reflecting these trends, this review emphasizes the potential biophysical impacts of climate change on forests while recognizing the importance of expanding our capacity to address socio-economic impacts as well.

In addition to changes in the climate, forests will also be stressed by other factors such as land cover and land use changes, related to both human activity and natural processes. When these variables are considered in conjunction with limitations imposed by the uncertainties of climate models, especially regarding future changes in precipitation patterns, it is difficult to project the impacts of climate change on forests at the regional and local levels. Although research is ongoing to address these issues, understanding the vulnerability of both forests and forestry practices to climate change is essential for forestry management planning. Appropriate adaptation will help reduce the negative impacts of climate change while allowing the forest sector to take advantage of any new opportunities that may be presented.