Climate resilience and the role of forest

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, the concept of resilience has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2022), climate resilience refers to the ability of social, economic, and ecological systems to endure and adapt to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances. This involves preserving their essential functions, identity, and structure, while retaining the capacity to learn and transform. As anthropogenic climate change accelerates, there is an urgent need for integrated climate-resilient development strategies that encompass both mitigation and adaptation measures (UNFCCC, 2011).

One of the most critical aspects of climate resilience is how we manage land and forest ecosystems. Transformative changes are required across sectors, particularly in land use, as forests are central to regulating the Earth’s climate. Large-scale deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, significantly contributes to climate change (Houghton, 2015). Alarmingly, it is estimated that 118 billion trees may be lost between 2015 and 2050 due to deforestation (Crowther et al., 2017). This destruction not only releases stored carbon into the atmosphere but also eliminates one of the planet’s most effective tools for carbon sequestration.

Moreover, the adoption of more resilient tree species as part of sustainable forest management can have unintended consequences. While these species may better withstand climate stressors, their introduction can disrupt local economies reliant on traditional forest resources (Brang et al., 2014). To address such challenges, a holistic approach is essential—one that is informed by scientific research and inclusive of diverse community perspectives.

Improving monitoring systems in vulnerable forest regions can also play a crucial role. Enhanced transparency and community-led monitoring efforts can help detect and address environmental threats more effectively, while also empowering local populations (Tanner & Horn-Phathanothai, 2014). However, for these strategies to succeed, equitable access to resources and inclusive decision-making processes are imperative.

Comprehensive policy frameworks will be key to achieving climate resilience by mid-century. The European Green Deal, launched in 2021, offers an ambitious blueprint for Europe to become climate-neutral by 2050 (European Commission, 2025). Despite its bold goals, the policy has faced pushback from the agricultural sector, raising legitimate concerns about food security and farmers' rights (Montanarella & Panagos, 2021). Moving forward, balancing environmental sustainability with agricultural needs will be essential for the successful implementation of climate-resilient policies.

Forests currently cover over 31% of the global land area and absorb roughly one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2020). They are also critical for biodiversity, providing habitat for 80% of terrestrial species and supporting the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide (WWF, 2023). While reforestation projects are increasingly promoted as a solution to climate change, these initiatives are not without complications. Reforesting land that is currently used for agriculture can threaten food security by reducing the land available for crop cultivation, a concern especially acute in developing countries where food insecurity and poverty are already prevalent (Nguyen et al., 2023; Bullock et al., 2016).