Forest managers are advised to diversify the pool of tree species used in forests to ensure long-term stability and reduce vulnerability to climate change. This article is part of our special report Deforestation and reforestation dynamics, Europe is driving a critical response to carbon removal Access the full report The study suggests forest management strategies to shift from managing conifer-dominated forests to mixed or broadleaved forests, as the latter are more resilient to changing climate conditions. [Getty Images: wmaster890] 4 min. read Content type: Underwritten Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Print Share This article is part of our special report Deforestation and reforestation dynamics, Europe is driving a critical response to carbon removal . Climate change will impact European forests much earlier and more severely than expected, particularly for coniferous species. To adapt, forest management must move towards mixed species stands, prioritise forest resilience, and prepare for significant changes in forest composition. These conclusions come out of a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Management, which emphasises the need for urgent action in forest management and conservation to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Earlier and severe impacts The study predicts that many European tree species will experience significant range contraction much earlier than previously expected–by 2041-2060 rather than 2061-2080. This means climate change will impact forests sooner than anticipated. Conifer species are predicted to experience the highest probability of decline due to their low drought resistance. These species are crucial to Europe’s forests, and their potential loss could disrupt forest ecosystems. The study shows that certain life-history traits, such as wood density, leaf area, and seed mass, are key predictors of how tree species will adapt to or suffer from climate change. Species with larger leaves, high wood density, and low height tend to fare […]