A recent study conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) has found that beech trees in Europe are highly vulnerable to climate change. The study, titled “Back to the future – A new look at the prospects for beech after 20 years of research and advancing climate change,” revisited conflicting studies from 2004 and 2005 and concluded that extreme droughts could lead to large-scale dieback and local extinction of beech trees.
Lead researcher Arthur Gessler highlighted that the damage caused by extreme dry years, such as those in 2018-2023, has already been severe. Even under optimistic climate scenarios, beech forests will suffer, and the forest industry must prepare for fundamental changes. Gessler recommends introducing drought- and heat-tolerant species, such as oak, to mitigate impacts and promote greater biodiversity in forests to improve resilience.
The study also reinforces the findings of a previous pan-European study that climate change could significantly reduce beech tree growth across much of Europe this century, potentially leading to forest dieback. Analysing 780,000 tree rings from 1955-2016, researchers found growth declines of up to 20 per cent in southern Europe, while northern areas like Scandinavia experienced growth increases. Predictions suggest that growth could either decline by 30 per cent in southern Europe by 2050 (in an optimistic scenario) or drop 20-50 per cent in central and southern Europe, with only limited gains in northern areas (in a pessimistic scenario).
To mitigate the impacts, researchers suggest immediate adaptation measures and sustainable forest management. High-altitude and northern regions may see beech dominance increase as other species struggle. A separate study analysing the contrasting patterns of water use efficiency and annual radial growth among European beech forests along the Italian peninsula found that these forests adapt differently to climate change. Southern European beech trees are more resilient to climate change, likely due to their genetic adaptation to harsher conditions. Researchers argue that leveraging these adaptive traits could help improve forest management and enhance resilience to future extreme events.
Beech is considered one of the most ecologically and economically valuable tree species in Europe. Beech forests are vital for biodiversity, carbon cycles, and timber and are socially valued as spaces for recreation. However, the recent findings suggest that the future of beech trees in Europe is at risk due to climate change. The potential decline in beech tree growth and the need for adaptation measures and sustainable forest management could have significant impacts on the environment, economy, and society. It is crucial for policymakers and forest managers to take immediate action to mitigate the impacts and promote greater resilience in European forests.