Forests and trees for social adaptation to climate variability and change

Summary

Ecosystems provide important services that can help people adapt to climate variability and change. Recognizing this role of ecosystems, several international and nongovernmental organizations have promoted an ecosystem-based approach to adaptation. We review the scientific literature related to ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) with forests and trees, and highlight five cases in which forests and trees can support adaptation: (1) forests and trees providing goods to local communities facing climatic threats; (2) trees in agricultural fields regulatingwater, soil, and microclimate for more resilient production; (3) forested watershedsregulating water and protecting soils for reduced climate impacts; (4) forestsprotecting coastal areas from climate-related threats; and (5) urban forests andtrees regulating temperature and water for resilient cities. The literature providesevidence that EBA with forests and trees can reduce social vulnerability to climatehazards; however, uncertainties and knowledge gaps remain, particularly for regulating services in watersheds and coastal areas. Few studies have been undertakenon EBA specifically, but the abundant literature on ecosystem services can be usedto fill knowledge gaps. Many studies assess the multiple benefits of ecosystems forhuman adaptation or well-being, but also recognize trade-offs between ecosystemservices. Better understanding is needed of the efficiency, costs, and benefits,and trade-offs of EBA with forests and trees. Pilot projects under implementation could serve as learning sites and existing information could be systematized andrevisited with a climate change adaptation lens.