Assessment of the impacts of climate change and weather extremes on boreal forests in northern Europe, focusing on Norway spruce

Abstract

The boreal and boreo-nemoral forests in Europe, which occur in northern and northeastern Europe, are dominated by 2 coniferous species, Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. being economically the most important one. Forestry is of major economic importance in this region. Forestry planning and climate change scenarios are based on similar (long-term) timescales, i.e. between 70 and 120 yr. Within the EU project 'Modelling the Impact of Climate Extremes' (MICE), we have used 'present day ' runs (1961-1990) and future scenarios (2070-2100, emission scenarios A2 and B2 from the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios [SRES]) of the HadRM3 regional climate model to study and model direct and indirect effects of changing climate on Norway spruce in Sweden and northern Europe. According to our results, extreme climate events like spring temperature backlashes and summer drought will increase in frequency and duration. In combination with a raised mean temperature, climate extremes will negatively precondition trees (i.e. increase their susceptibility) to secondary damage through pests and pathogens. Decreased forest vitality also makes stands more susceptible to windthrow. Storm damage is discussed based on a 100 yr storm damage record for Sweden. Marginally increased frequencies and windspeeds of storms may cause disproportionate increases in windthrow. Increased economic hazards can be expected from a combination of the increased volumes of wind-thrown timber, and a greater likelihood of additional generations of spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (further encouraged by the increase in fallen timber), as a result of a changing climate with warmer summers.

Future of biodiversity in the Barents Region

“…With the expected rising temperatures, outbreaks of insect pests may be more frequent (Jönsson et al 2009;Schlyter et al 2006). This can have large consequences for forest ecosystems and may negatively affect the forestry sector (Soja et al 2007).…”

Assessing the potential impacts of climate change on traditional landscapes and their heritage values on the local level: Case studies in the Dender basin in Flanders, Belgium

“…In addition, desiccated trees are more sensitive to forest fires (de Jonge, 2008) and new diseases and pests shifting northwards (De Groof et al, 2006). As a consequence of more frequent and more intense storms, weakened forests will also become more vulnerable to wind throw (Schlyter et al, 2006). Consequently, a more effective forest management is required.…”

“…Schlyter et al (2006) suggest that the degree to which forests are weakened by desiccation contribute to the susceptibility of forests to wind throw. In addition, the altitude and topography also influence wind throw.…”

Influence of spot mounding on height growth and tending of Norway spruce: case study in Latvia

“…For example, Örland-er et al (1990, 1998) have found that survival of trees planted on furrows is similar to that of trees planted on mounds in sites with normal moisture regime, but notably and signifi cantly lower in wet sites. Also other studies have concluded that mounds creates favourable moisture regime that is essential for early survival of Norway spruce (Schlyter et al, 2006). Planting on mounds improves not only the survival, but also initial growth of the trees (Nordborg et al, 2003;Hallsby & Örlander, 2013;Heiskanen et al, 2013).…”