The potential impact of climate change on Irish forestry.

Abstract

The Irish climate is projected to change over the next century. The long-term nature of forestry means that planning is essential if foresters are to practice sustainable forest management during and beyond this period of change. International models projecting the potential impact of climate change on forestry have improved significantly over the last decade, but are still a long way short of accurately modelling the complexities of forest ecosystems. Although it is generally accepted that rising temperatures and CO2 concentrations will promote increased growth rates, it is uncertain to what extent this growth will be limited by water and nutrient availability, greater difficulties in forest establishment and increased risk from pests, diseases and forest fire. Irish forests are predominantly commercial plantations established on sites deemed either unsuitable or marginal for agriculture. They may therefore respond differently to climate change than native or semi-natural forests. The current programme for the expansion of Irish forestry may require adjustment to account for the prospect of climate change. Research programmes should also be initiated to investigate how climate change may affect the productive and ecological functions of Irish forests.