The fight against climate change has taken a new turn as researchers from Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Spain call for a shift in focus from planting new trees to preserving existing forests. In a recent publication in the Science journal, the experts argue that the planting of new seedlings will not prevent the climate-induced death of forests. Instead, they suggest that the focus should be on the maintenance of existing forests to sustainably protect the tree population. The introduction of exotic species that can better adapt to changing climate conditions is also considered a significant threat to forests.
According to the experts, the search for a “super tree” that can withstand droughts and storms has been a step in the right direction for German foresters. However, the so-called biodiversity strategy is seen as more harmful than helpful. In Germany alone, 180,000 hectares of forest have already died, and the trend is on the rise. Only 0.7% of Europe’s forest area consists of old or primeval forests, and less than half of them are protected. The EU has allocated only three billion new trees for reforestation efforts, and experts believe that forests should be able to regenerate themselves.
The situation is expected to worsen as heatwaves and droughts continue to dry out forest soils, making trees more susceptible to pest infestations. The spruce tree, for instance, is already considered lost in lower elevations. The extent of the damage caused by climate change may not be immediately apparent, but it will become more evident over time. The experts, therefore, urge a change in approach to forest management to ensure the survival of forests and the protection of the environment.
