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Seven research areas, measuring instruments in the middle of the forest, and plenty of time for discussion: During the field trip “Understanding the Forest of Tomorrow,” held as part of the German Forest Days, scientists from the DIVERSA and FoResLab Climate and Future Laboratories reported on the most important scientific findings and provided insights into their work by demonstrating the methods they use to study the effects of climate change on forests.

In small groups, a total of 25 participants moved from station to station. The range of research methods on display spanned from bioacoustics and moths to laser scanning and forest inventory, as well as sap flow measurements and a measurement tower that records the exchange of CO₂, water vapor, and energy between the forest and the atmosphere. The perception of climate change-induced changes in the forest was also explored using 360° imagery and VR headsets. The researchers demonstrated their measurement methods right on site, explained how they are used, and engaged in discussions with the participants. The discussion also addressed key questions in forest research: How do forests respond to drought, heat, and other consequences of climate change? How are biodiversity and the water cycle changing—and what does this mean for the future development of forests? Interest was high, with many questions asked and lively discussions taking place. For the scientists, it was particularly interesting to see the wide range of questions people outside their own field of expertise asked about their research, to identify what needed further explanation, and to learn about the participants’ experiences and perspectives.

The field trip was organized by the climate and future laboratories DIVERSA and FoResLab. Participants included scientists from the Northwest German Forest Research Institute, Georg-August University of Göttingen, and other partner institutions. Special thanks go to the organizers and all the researchers involved, who prepared the stations and took plenty of time for explanations, questions, and discussions.

From the Forest to the Discussion#

In the evening, DIVERSA and FoResLab continued the discussion with an interactive presentation titled “Collapse—Crisis—Opportunity? Forests and People in the Face of Climate Change.” Prof. Dr. Carola Paul from the University of Göttingen and Dr. Peter Meyer from the Northwest German Forest Research Institute discussed with participants how forests respond to climate change and disturbances, what options are available for forest management, and how to deal with uncertainties and conflicting demands on the forest. The presentation was recorded and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/TxEMHCE3vBc

More about the research stations and the methods described: https://zkfn.de/en/waldtage/