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Climate change threatens Europe's forests: rethink resilience!
The University of Freiburg welcomes Dr. Ana Stritih, who is revolutionizing social-ecological forest research with a focus on climate adaptation.
Climate change threatens Europe's forests: rethink resilience!
In the future, Freiburg im Breisgau will benefit from the expertise of the new junior professor Dr. Ana Stritih enriches. Her research focus is on understanding forests as social-ecological systems. She pays particular attention to the interplay between ecological dynamics and human decisions in forest management. Her work aims to find ways to sustainably secure forest ecosystem services and support decision-makers in developing informed strategies, especially in the context of global change.
Dr. Stritih's research is particularly relevant in times of climate change, which is placing significant pressures on forest ecosystems. According to reports from Science Blog Changing climate and disturbance regimes lead to increased exploitation pressure on forests, which increases the need to identify resilience mechanisms in these ecosystems. In particular, the increasing world population requires sustainable forest management and, at the same time, adaptation to the already noticeable consequences of climate change.
Challenges and opportunities for forests
A major challenge is the increasing damage caused by bark beetles, which has increased by 600% in Europe over the last 40 years. This is a clear sign that forests are suffering under the pressure of climate change and rising temperatures. Almost 57.7% of forest managers in Austria are already reporting visible effects of global warming. However, the future evolution of the climate remains uncertain, particularly with regard to changes in precipitation.
Dr. Stritih and her colleague, Rupert Seidl from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, are therefore investigating the resilience of forest ecosystems. Resilience describes the ability of a system to recover from disruptions. Although forests can generally exhibit a high level of resilience, this ability may no longer be sufficient under changing climates. Simulations help to model ecosystem dynamics and explore the effects of climate change.
New approaches in forest management
Proactive management strategies are now essential to prepare forests for future disturbances. Increasing tree species diversity plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of disturbances. In addition, “legacies”, such as surviving trees or dead wood, help to strengthen resilience. Social adaptability has proven to be just as important as ecological resilience.
While some challenges, such as the small-scale ownership structure in the Austrian forest, make coordinated adaptation to climate change difficult, high social diversity can even lead to increased structural and species diversity, which could have a positive impact on forest resilience. Dr. She will incorporate Stritih's commitment to social and climate justice into her teaching activities at the University of Freiburg, while she seeks exchange with inquisitive students.
Additionally, she brings a personal touch to her work by reflecting on her role as a scientist and a foreigner, particularly in relation to academic freedom and human rights. Enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking in the Black Forest will enrich your time in Freiburg and strengthen your connection to nature.