National survey of forestry professionals in Sweden

The aim of the study was to gain a more comprehensive picture of how foresters in Sweden view climate change and adaptation. The survey asked about the risks associated with climate change, views on different adaptation measures, and the importance of having science-based information for decision-making.

The results show that almost one third of forest owners and forestry advisors believe that climate change will imply serious risks for forests. A slightly lower number of professionals express concern about climate change impacts on their own forests. At the same time, more than a quarter believe that climate change will affect Swedish forestry in a positive way. Moreover, the survey shows that, in general, forestry professionals in Sweden are less concerned about climate change than the general public.

The survey helps to explain why forest owners have different views about the risks of climate change and the use of adaptation measures. Results show that forestry owners who have recently experienced extreme weather events are more aware of climate change. Having knowledge and experience with risk mitigating measures and believing that climate change is true are also factors that are correlated with higher awareness about climate change and higher willingness to take adaptation measures.

Interestingly, the survey also shows that forest owners and forestry advisors have different views about the suitability of different adaptation measures. For example, more than 40% of the forest owners believe that alternative forest management practices that avoid clear-cutting are an effective way of dealing with climate change. Only 17% of the forestry advisors share that opinion.

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