The future of forests is uncertain. Unprecedented climate change and extreme climate events are causing multiple stresses and tree mortality. There is also a substantial gap in fundamental knowledge concerning how tree species grow in response to climate variability and, therefore, how they might respond to future climatic change. 

As we look forward to 2050 and how we can adapt our forests to future climatic conditions, many traditional tools are unsuitable to help make predictions. However, we see incredible potential in studying the responses of plants to past variations in climate factors.

The session will present how methods and tools including tree-ring analysis, quantitative wood anatomy and stable isotopes help assess drought tolerance and water use efficiency of tree species and forests and its implications for climate resilient restoration, among others. 

We will further discuss the need to generate knowledge, data and predictive systems, particularly in the tropics to facilitate nature-based solutions and policy decisions to increase the resilience of people’s livelihoods and the environment under ongoing climate change.

By looking into the past, we can guide efforts to future-proof our forests – for nature and for society.