To date, climate change research in Canada related to forestry has focused primarily on biophysical impacts, such as growth rates, disturbance regimes and ecosystem dynamics. Much less attention has been devoted to socio-economic impacts and the ability of forest managers to adapt to climate change. Canadian studies that have examined adaptation to climate change in the forestry sector emphasize the importance of involving forest managers and other stakeholders throughout the research project, and ensuring that study results are released in formats that are relevant and useful for forest managers. This includes developing recommendations at the appropriate spatial and temporal scales.

Research needs identified within the literature cited in this chapter include the following:

Impacts

1. Studies on the long-term interactive effects of climate and other environmental changes on forests
2. Better understanding of the capability of tree species to respond to change through migration, and the potential consequences for ecosystem dynamics, communities and the forest industry
3. Additional work on disturbance regimes, including the interactive impacts of disturbances (e.g., fire and pests) and the incorporation of these impacts into models
4. Impacts of climate change on biodiversity, and the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functions
5. Increased understanding of the potential range of impacts on market and non-market forest values, the critical thresholds for change, and the linkages between science, policy and forest management
6. The development of methodologies to synthesize and integrate results of research on the impacts of climate change on forests

Adaptation

1. Improved understanding of the impacts of active forest management on ecosystems, such as the effects of reintroducing species to disturbed ecosystems
2. Studies focusing on the social and economic impacts of different adaptation options
3. Studies that explore options to reduce both short- and long-term vulnerability of forests to fire and insect disturbances
4. Improved understanding of the adaptive capacity of forest managers and other stakeholders, as well as factors that influence decision making
5. Research on new opportunities for forestry, such as enhancing the commercial value of forests in northern areas and the potential role of biotechnology
6. Studies on how climate change can be better incorporated into long-term forest planning, including improved communication of knowledge and research