Forests on the edge of the collapse: Science warns of fatal consequences!

Forests on the edge of the collapse: Science warns of fatal consequences!

Wien, Österreich - A new report by the International Association of Forestry Organizations (Iufro) entitled "Forests as Pillars of Social and Economic Resilience" provides alarming insights into the state of global forest ecosystems. On the occasion of the World Environmental Day on June 5, 2025, the document was presented by 31 researchers as part of the Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP). It illuminates the crucial role of forests for resilience in both social and economic terms. Political decisions are considered potential dangers for these complex systems, which urgently require a paradigm shift in forest politics. "Continuation of the 'Business as Usual' is regarded as failed," warns the report and demands a proactive, long-term approach in forest and environmental policy.

dr. Craig Allen, one of the co-authors, emphasizes that quick economic growth could lead to a collapse without the necessary understanding of the function and importance of the forests, the so-called "Humpingy Dumpty effect". This not only questions the forests themselves, but also the social and economic systems that depend on them. Indigenous peoples and rural communities should suffer particularly from the negative consequences of climate change.

The challenges of forestry

The "Teaming Up 4 Forests" platform, which was founded in 2021, has a network of over 100 scientists: Interior, company representative: Interior and political decision -makers: Interior to develop solutions for forest -related challenges. Dirk Längin of Mondi emphasizes the need for this cooperation and Alexander Buck from Iufro emphasizes how important it is to develop scientifically sound solutions in order to design long -term strategies.

ecosystem services of the forests

The forests not only offer challenges, but are also indispensable resources and make a significant contribution to various ecosystem services. They act as carbon stores and make a decisive contribution to climate protection. They are also a habitat for around 10,000 animal and plant species, which is of central importance for the biological diversity. According to a new infographic of the specialist agency, renewable raw materials e. V. (FNR) are also important for oxygen production, air filtering and soil formation.

• climate protection through CO2 binding and carbon storage.
• Habitat for approx. 10,000 animal and plant species, securing biodiversity.
• oxygen production, air filtering and cooling.
• erosion protection and soil formation.
• flood and avalanche protection.
• water filtering and groundwater storage.
• Delivery of raw materials for economic use and job protection in rural areas.
• food delivery (venison, fruits).
• recovery and health function as well as tourist added value.

These profits for society are on the brink, especially if the forests are not managed responsibly. Politicians are asked to consider forests as part of complex social-ecological networks and to choose long-term, system-based approaches.

Overall, it can be said that the reports from Iufro and the organizations attached to them require an urgent reaction of political decision -makers, companies and society as a whole in order to protect and promote the forests and thus also the social and economic structures underneath. The challenges are great, but through the interaction of science, business and politics, a sustainable strategy can be developed that protects both the forests and society.