A New Scion Report Shows Just Two In 10 Of Our Forest Growers Are Trying To Adapt To Climate Change

A new Scion report shows just two in 10 of our forest growers are trying to adapt to climate change. Most foresters say they have good awareness of climate-driven risks – from new pests and diseases to extreme weather and wildfire. The Scion-led research is the first to canvas our third largest export-earning sector. Study leader Dr Grace Villamor says most climate-related research on forestry has focused on lowering net emissions but her team surveyed 60 growers and fewer than half thought climate change would affect their forest growing. Just 21% were adapting. Foresters say some adaptation measures can only be taken after trees are harvested when you have a chance to reset meaning there is not much more they can do to adapt for the next 15 years or so. She says most forest managers have good risk management in place already, for instance to manage the risk of fire.