Climate Change adaptation options, tools and vulnerability: Contribution of Work Package 4 to the Forest Vulnerabilty Assessment

Robyn Wilson, Steve Turton
Posted on: 12/09/2011 - Updated on: 2/15/2019

Posted by

Hannah Robinson

Published

Abstract

Climate models generated in this study to investigate the impacts of future climate change on Australian forests showed that in 2030, climate change may stress some forests further than they have been over the past few decades; In 2070, climate change will create significant stress on native forests and plantations. The most vulnerable forests were identified as those in locations with nowhere for forest ecosystems and biota to migrate, such as the tropical rainforests in Northern and Southern Australia, sandwhiched between sea level rise and increasing aridity inland as climate change progresses. Stakeholders from both the conservation and production sectors were found to demonstrate a strong interest in climate change adaptation, and plantation forestry in many parts of Australia is already beginning to adapt. A comprehensive range of biophysical, socio-economic and policy tools were assessed through stakeholder engagement and literature review to determine their value for informing climate change adaptation planning and policy. Possible climate change adaptation options collated in this study include: the application of new and innovative land management approaches, adoption of specific silvicultural practices, and the enhancement of community knowledge and skills. Challenges to the implementation of available adaptation options were also identified. This is the fourth report in a series generated by NCCARF as part of a comprehensive Forest Vulnerability Assessment (FVA) that will assist forest managers and policy makers on managing climate change adaptation in the forestry sector.

Citation

Wilson, R. & Turton, S. (2011). Climate change adaptation options, tools and vulnerability. Contribution of Work Package 4 to the Forest Vulnerability Assessment, Gold Coast, Australia, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility. Retrieved from CAKE: http://www.cakex.org/virtual-library/climate-change-adaptation-options-…